Q: What action should I take if a school's financial aid staff collectively misleads students of the tuition price?
Speaking with multipul staff members of the school resulted in the same answer. Intially opting out of the program due to not having enough to pay, two financial aid counselors insisted that the numbers on the tuition price were "simply example numbers".
( This phrase had been repeated by all of the staff we talked about this issue to). Before graduating discussions with the counselors continued but they reiterated that the numbers were simply examples and that the director of admissions would contact us. Two months have passed since then and the director of admissions still hasn't contacted me which I am now graduated. This school lied about its cost throughout the entire course and has made no attempt to correct it or its staff leaving me in debt that can't be paid.
A:
When facing misleading information about tuition costs from a school's financial aid staff, it's crucial to gather all written communications, promotional materials, and any recorded conversations that reflect the misleading information provided. Documentation plays a pivotal role in establishing the discrepancy between what was communicated to you and the actual tuition costs. This evidence can be instrumental if you decide to pursue a complaint or legal action.
You should consider contacting the California Department of Consumer Affairs or the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), which oversees private postsecondary educational institutions in California. These organizations can provide guidance on how to file a complaint against the school. Filing a formal complaint initiates an investigation into the school's practices, and these bodies can take action if they find that the institution has violated state regulations or laws regarding educational practices and financial disclosures.
In addition, seeking legal advice from an attorney experienced in educational law or consumer protection might be beneficial. An attorney can review your case and advise you on potential legal remedies, which may include suing the institution for misrepresentation or breach of contract, depending on the specifics of your situation. Legal representation can also assist in negotiating with the school for a resolution, such as a reduction in the debt owed, especially if the institution's actions have left you in significant debt based on inaccurate information.
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