Monday, March 24, 2008
News AIU faces class-action lawsuit
Posted by Thomas Wheatley @thomaswheatley on Mon, Mar 24, 2008 at 4:56 PM
A former student at American Intercontinental University, or AIU, a for-profit school that operates numerous campuses in the United States and London, filed a class-action lawsuit last week against the school. In the suit, Tajuansar Diallo claims that the school and its parent company, Delaware-based Career Education Company, or CEC, operated a "fraudulent scheme" by marketing itself as a selective school that boasted after-college careers for graduates and resources to help students find jobs. The suit claims that "these representations were materially false and/or misleading."
AIU operates two campuses in the metro Atlanta region — one in Buckhead near Lenox Square Mall and another in Dunwoody. A CEC spokesperson was not available for comment.
Former CL staff writer Alyssa Abkowitz excellently profiled AIU in the July 2007 article, "The Student Trap." Click here to read the piece and the 100-plus comments it continues to generate.
Click here to read the class-action lawsuit filed against AIU.
Comments (46)
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I'm shocked to see someone stand-up to those crocks. I'm an ex- employee and I know everything what she said in the class action suit is a true story. It's sad that there are other students out there who is afraid of standing-up. Finally someone did. That girl is courageous.
I attended AIU about 4 years ago. I ultimatley have paid the price for trying to take the shortcut. No traditional university accepts AIU course work. In fact my community college would not accept most of their classes as transferable. I barely cracked a book. In fact, I learned as much if not more earning my A.S. degree. Now I am stuck with 22k of debt and a useless degree as I can not advance my education with it which means I get to start over. Oh joy! Thanks AIU....for nothing but lies and thievery. Oh, and don't comment on my comments; on how it was my responsibiltiy to insure everything is on the up and up....ever hear of HONOR!
Jason, I totally agree with you. I am a current victim of AIEww. I am stuck there as no other institution worth it's salt will take me on! I owe 80k in loans (half of it is interest) but I didn't get to finish school. They say I need more but have reached my loan limit! I'm a part of the class action and have heard nothing from it. Jason is right, please don't jump on this page and say we got what we deserved; I for one, only went to that Sh*t-hole because 4 years ago it was the only school that offered a dual degree in Fashion Design/Marketing.
I am interested in hearing any complaints about possible fraud by AIU. We have heard of a number of complaints and want to check on the oversight and students rights when they are told they will receive something that they did not. In one complaint, the student was told they would be called back by a "counselor"repeatedly, and nobody phoned or e-mailed and then were were dropped from the class and charged to repeat the class.
I too went to AIEwwwwww I am very disappointed and I am going to find out how I can join the class action lawsuit as well. Many times they charged us for classes that they repeated. It was the same material but just a different name and hey even one of the instructors encouraged us to cheat. My biggest disappointment was the fact that after college was over you were basically on your own....they didn't help the students with job placement.
I was a former student of AIU..I graduated with an Associates degree. It has not got me a better job as I was making more money before I graduated this school. This school has ruined my life and I would do anything to get in on a class action lawsuit. I have over $40,000 in student loans and I could not graduate with a bachelor's degree because I also reached my limit on student loans. This school needs to be shut down. It is not fair that they scammed us into thinking it was as accreditted as much as Duke University. I hate that I went to this school.
I'm glad this gip joint is being investigated. I have had no involvement with the school, but they sound like a major perversion of education in this country. I wish them all the worst.
Welllll...I have been going to school at AIU since April 08. I am currently enrolled and to graduate this Nov 09, but I think my time is coming to a disturbing end like so many others that have posted on this site. I was fine until the school told me I had reached my loan limit for this 2nd academic year and that I had to pay 4000+ out of pocket and to try for private loans to take care of it. I have yet to start paying these self agreement payments and am 3 months behind. I received an email stating if I dont pay soon, my classes with be locked where I cant attend anymore. I reached the school yesterday and asked what other options I had such as placing payments on hold which they said no of course. I am stuck with nothing to do and pretty much just waiting till they lock me out. Other than that, I did find some of the classes not challenging at all with the instructors always giving an "A"-no matter what. Seems as if they are told to make the students feel good by letting the slide through only to just be let down later at the end. I am also upset to know that if I were to complete my time at AIU in November with a BA degree, that it wont be recognized the same as from a tradtional school. :(
Hey how does someone go abouts joining the lawsuit?I wentto that school and boy what a rip off i told themi had no job...dont worry ur pell grantwill cover it..LMAO! someone has to know how to join in on this!
I went to AIU back in 2006 and I was in the military at the time. I wanted to try to take a couple of classes while I was in the military. I was starting the process of enrolling at AIU and all of a sudden they told me that my financial part of the school didn't go through and I couldn't get a loan and during the time I was on deployment and there was nothing I could of done to be in contact with them. All I know is I couldn't enroll in the college everytime I would try to log on it would say financial hold. I spoke to financial and they said that I won't be charged because technically I didn't go to the school. I didn't get the loan, I didn't go to the school so two years later I got a bill for almost 5000 dollars. two years later and they falsely accused me for taking 4 classes when I wasn't able to take any classes I was still in the enrollment process. I definitely want to be a part of the class action lawsuit. I have documentation to prove it. I will make sure that it goes to the media, military, veterans and anyone who is in their mid twenties through thirties trying to find ways to better themselves. This fake school is not worth it! MILITARY BE WARE THIS COLLEGE IS A SCAM AND THEY WILL GET YOU IN DEBT! IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANYONE HELPING YOU WITH A LOAN EVEN IF YOU DON'T GO TO THE SCHOOL THEY WILL CHARGE YOU!
I am so mad at this school its not even funny. I sign up last year for my AABA in Medical Coding and Billing. Well come to find out one of my Prof happen to live in the same town as me so I sent the Prof a e-mail asking for help due to I didn't feel that I was ready to go out into the field. So come to find out the Prof told me about another school that is in my area so I went there and talk to them. Well I am really on 2 class away from getting my AABA in Business Management. So for what I went for Medical Coding and Billing I have to start all over again when I mean all over again 60 more credit hours just so I can work in this field that is another 18K. I called AIU and they told myself and another one of my classmates that we miss understood what the class was about. Now how could more then one person miss understand? Come one now. So in there outline of the class it state that we will learn ANATOMY!!!!!! Want to hear the funny thing AIU doesn't even have a ANATOMY class online. They don't even offer the class just to offer it. I'm so mad. It hurts that a school would hurt people and does not care at all.If you plan on going here please don't.Keep looking around.
I enrolled in AIU, and I had a week to withdraw (which I did), but the reason for my withdrawal is due to the fact that every other day, my out of pocket expenses increased. I was told that my loans and/or grants would not cover the entire tutition cost. I am praying I don't start receiving bills from AIU. I did keep all of my emails from the representatives from AIU acknowledging that I won't be charged since my withdrawal was before the dead line.
I went to AIU in Plantation Florida to study graphic design. I was so exited to be a part of what I thought was a reputable school. I went for about 3 years...Even in this time I did not receive a degree*which I was told would be possible...a BA in 3 years...WOW. I have 130 credits...at this point, they told me I did not qualify for any additional loans and was unable to make the 1k plus payments to the school directly each month. This was back in 2004. Now in 2009...my wages have been garnished for the last 2 years. I have now been laid off. I was able to get some information about a grant to go back to school to further my education. The school required that I get my transcript. When I went to their shiny new office building in Westin Florida, which is a much pricier neighborhood than they were in before (this is obviously where my money went) anyways...they said they could not release my transcript without me paying yet another 4900~~~ this financial aid lady could not tell me what this was for, but so graciously printed out my ledger and told me I could figure it out...I tried to call the collection agency(who has NEVER contacted me) to try and resolve this and they could not tell me what it was... Apparently I had a running balance, and the ledger is NOT clear as to what everything is. I SO WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS LAWSUIT> I EMAILED SOMEONE AND HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING BACK> my email address is kristynegron@gmail.com is anyone has any information for me. THanks so much.
I wish everyone the best of luck with this lawsuit. This would be a good time to remind everyone to be careful when going back to school. Make sure the school you are thinking about attending is accredited. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (http://www.sacs.org) has a site very useful for checking to see if a school will give you a diploma worth more than the paper it is printed on.
I am currently enrolled at AIU Online, I would very much like to communicate with anyone involved in the class-action. Please contact me!
OK!!! I am not shocked but I am far surprised...I have been attending here since the beginning of 2009..Unfortunately I mad a sole choice to leave AIU anyways and sadly I have the fear that all my credits will not be accepted by my new school. I have read all these comments on here and they are touching. And for and one that seriously feel that anyone deserves to be Fycked by this school or for any matter, any school, they need to take a look at what they are doing in the life and realize that sometimes people make choices based on their needs or so on.... THIS FAKE COLLEGE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO TREAT PEOPLE IN THIS MANNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The law firm of Wargo & French LLP has filed lawsuits against American Intercontinental University (“AIU”) on behalf of current and former AIU students and on behalf of the federal government based on information received from former AIU employees. We are seeking current and former students and employees who have any knowledge or firsthand experience with the practices of AIU and/or its parent company, Career Education Corp. (“CEC”). If you have any information regarding this matter, please contact Tracy Hardie of Wargo & French LLP at 404-853-1542 or email us at aiulawsuit@wargofrench.com.
ANY school owned by Career Education Corporation (CEC) is not worth going to; I worked for these idiots and at the end I told students to "run" the other way. They are bad news and once they have your money, they hang you out to dry. Everyone who ever went to this school should sue them.
ANY school owned by Career Education Corporation (CEC) is not worth going to; I worked for these idiots and at the end I told students to "run" the other way. They are bad news and once they have your money, they hang you out to dry. Everyone who ever went to this school should sue them. Always remember that it is better to go to a school that is regionally accredited than nationally accredited.
I went to AIU London, and was incredibly excited. Not to long after being there me, and the other students realized that the school was a joke. Soon I stopped going to classes, and came back home 6 months into it. I did have an experiance like no other living in London. If only I can get the $40,000 back it cost me. But I will never trade my time in London.
A.I.u. Is a rip off, looking to join in a class action in florida call me @ 954 675 2560.
Join class action lawsuit in south florida for a.I.u. Contact me @ 954 675 2560.
I got in contact with Tajuansar Diallo's Attorneys so that I could join the classaction suit. I told them what had happened to me with AIU and they told me that they could not help me.
I joined AIU in april of 2009 with a complete feeling of uncertionty of what to expect financialy and academically. I feel that I was not informed like a professional institution that has been doing the business for years should have informed a new potential student and miss led. I would love to hear from some body about joining this suit. E-mail me at firetaz6235@sbcglobal.net. Jeff
I was a student at AIU in 2006-2007. To no surprise, I didn't recieve a degree and couldn't transfer any credits to another college because they meant nothing. I am now in debt for the federal student loan with wachovia for 24,000 dollars, this past week my tax refund check of 7,856 dollars was taken and gave toward that loan and im in the process of my wages being also garnished at my job. I can't believe that Wachovia would have been apart of such a SCAM of a promise of finanical freedom through AIU education. Seems like they didn't do their research. Why would they not sue the school for the fraudulent SCAMMING of Federal money, instead of preying on my family whom needed my tax return to put clothes on my kids back and toward paying my monthly bills. I can't believe no one contacted me before I was stripped of my money that I desperatly needed. My life is HELL right now. IF anyone knows of a class action lawsuit for 2011.
PLEASE email me @ peachiegirl_1@yahoo.com
SOMEONE HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!
It ONLY takes 3 people to have a class action lawsuit. Everyone needs to put their emails on here, in hopes that an attorney will see this or maybe we can contact one to come to this site and help us.
Unfortunately, I have also been a victim of AIU and their scams which have cost me to be more than 30k in debt without a degree or a school that will even use my credits to transfer. I was told upon applying they offered a Fashion Merchandising degree, after moving 1500 miles away to begin this education, I found out this was untrue and the advisor a "Mr. Saunders" whom I was corresponding with, no longer worked there. After many issues with Financial Aid, Housing, and the Academics, I left. I contacted someone from the Firm in the lawsuit and they told me they would get back to me with any news/progress.......that was in May of 2009. So I am guessing that was either another scam in itself or it's becoming an exrememly lengthly process. Whatever the case may be, I have since been unemployed and will be facing Collection Agencys in court due to this debt. I would absolutly love to be able to go back to school to further my education so I can begin a successful career and provide for my family. The problem is, my debt per income has, and will always be a problem for me to even maintain a financially functional lifestyle. All of this due to one mans misrepresentation and a whole school that backs up such actions. If anyone knows more about how to file a class action lawsuit and/or would like to begin one, I would definately be on board. Serious inq only please- jamie4944@gmail.com
I too have been a victim of AIU. I did earn a M. ED degree and when I sent my transcripts to the state department of ED to get my teaching certification changed, they told me that they would not accept it. I spent over $23,000 for a worthless piece of paper. Anyone have any advice? I would love a lawsuit. Please e-mail amogavero@hotmail.com
I am also currently fighting them for the same reason...a useless diploma, misleading enrollment practices...and now a $16000 bill they say I owe for loans they put through without my permission. I have had tjis under fraud investigation in the last year and found that for possibly the second year in a row they may be siezing my taxes to pay for it! I am actively searching for an attorney or class action to join...if anyone has any information please email me! Ladyarraldesse@gmail.com. Thank you!
My son was defrauded by AIU in Southern California. I have proof of their taking funds from his student loan without his permission and without ever notifying him that they were taken. I am looking for attorneys filing a class action suit or other students from the same area with the same problem. We were too late to join in a large class action suit that was settled in 2009. My email is harborswest@yahoo.com or phone 203-681-0557.
Count me in on any class action suits as well....graduated with near 4.0 GPA ...learned nothing of value....not one positive call on my resume showing the degree earned, but am paying nearly $35K for the worthless piece of paper which by the way....they never have sent me;....lol answersinjesus@gmail.com
CEC - Career Education Corporation (CECO) is a highly unreliable company. Researching this company for 5min will reveal countless negative reports including a CBS investigation, scam school list and a degree mill list. Moreover, thousands of past and current students along with faculty are suing CEC for enrollment and job placement fraudulence in addition to many other untrustworthy practices. It appears numerous lawsuits have recently been won by students and faculty with many more in the pipeline. There is something wrong at CEC and these judgments are evidence of that. Career Education Corporation final days are numbered.
DO NOT TRUTH THE FACULTY AT AIU OR ANY CEC SCHOOL FOR THAT MATTER
IF YOUR FACULTY SUES YOU - THERE IS A PROBLEM!
http://www.aiutruth.com/Speak_Out.html
CEC Schools:
AIU – American InterContinental University (Class-Action)
IADT – International Academy of Design
La Cordon Bleu (Class-Action)
Briarcliffe College (Class-Action)
CTU – Colorado Technical University
Brooks Institution
California Culinary Academy (Class-Action)
(There are more class-action coming and class actions I'm not aware of pertaining to CEC run schools - Please do your own research)
This company will have a difficult time with imminent federal spending cuts.
CEC - Career Education Corporation (CECO) is a highly unreliable company. Researching this company for 5min will reveal countless negative reports including a CBS investigation, scam school list and a degree mill list. Moreover, thousands of past and current students along with faculty are suing CEC for enrollment and job placement fraudulence in addition to many other untrustworthy practices. It appears numerous lawsuits have recently been won by students and faculty with many more in the pipeline. There is something wrong at CEC and these judgments are evidence of that. Career Education Corporation final days are numbered.
DO NOT TRUST THE FACULTY AT AIU OR ANY CEC SCHOOL FOR THAT MATTER
IF YOUR FACULTY SUES YOU - THERE IS A PROBLEM!
http://www.aiutruth.com/Speak_Out.html
CEC Schools:
AIU – American InterContinental University (Class-Action)
IADT – International Academy of Design
La Cordon Bleu (Class-Action)
Briarcliffe College (Class-Action)
CTU – Colorado Technical University
Brooks Institution
California Culinary Academy (Class-Action)
(There are more class-action coming and class actions I'm not aware of pertaining to CEC run schools - Please do your own research)
This company will have a difficult time with imminent federal spending cuts.
I feel like AIU Online stole 13k of my college money in about 3 months... money I could have used to go to a REAL Master's in Teaching program, as I came to find out at the time they didn't accredited your teaching... and it's worthless without student teaching... Lucky for me I quit bf they could take the other 10k they wanted to finish their worthless program!
AIU is a degree mill and currently being investigated by the Federal Government.
This video explains everything:
http://www.youtube.com/user/CECOAdvocate
DO NOT ATTEND THIS SCHOOL AND BECOME ANOTHER NEGATIVE STATISTIC. GO TO COMMUNITY COLLEGE OR STATE 4 YEAR UNIVERSITY.
I graduated from AIU Online in July 2010 with a "MBA in Healthcare Management". I have over 75,000 in student loan debt. I was told they were an accredited school but now that I am in a position I want to be in, I find out my degree is worthless and I am no longer qualified for the position. I can't believe I wasted 4 years of my life for a piece of paper and now will be paying back my student loans forever. Please tell me how I can be part of this class action suit because now they need to pay for what they have done to me and everyone else!!!!
If only I knew then what I know now. I was newly divorced and scared that I would not be able to provide for my son without a degree. I was working full time and thought this would be the solution for me. Not long after enrollment, I started feeling "something isn't right" and withdrew, or tried to withdraw on NUMEROUS occasions. I owe over $25k for only a few months of school! I have tried to get my student and financial records only to talk to an answering machine every time I call. I constantly have student loan collectors harassing me and I would love to see this school get what it deserves. I'm not sure which is worse, getting a degree that I could never use or paying $25k for about 4 books.
It is amazing to hear all these stories about how people have had bad experiences in AIU. I have too and i command this girl for taking charge and going through with this! You go girl! Hope she wins the case!
It is amazing to hear all these stories about how people have had bad experiences in AIU. I have also have had bad experience with them, always messing up with my financial aid and making me do part time school so i can generate checks to pay them off! I command this girl for taking charge and going through with this! You go girl! Hope she wins the case!Here is my email is a class action lawsuit is made! mariajose_carias@yahoo.com. I owe about 85k in loans for being that school!
I graduated from AIU in Nov 2011 with an associates degree in Business Administration with concentration in medical billing and coding. I did not even get enough education to pass the CPC exam. I am now enrolled in another school to get that education. I currently owe $21,303 in student loans for AIU and now I have to add to that to get what I need. I am interested in joining a class action lawsuit, but need help in finding who is handling it. If anyone can help me, please email me at babsie1959w@yahoo.com. Thank you!
I believe that I have found the perfect attorney (comes highly recommended) to sue AIU. Anyone interested in a class-action lawsuit please contact the Googasian Firm 248-540-3333. If they get enough calls they will realize how serious this situation is.
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