I am also a victim of AIU Online's misleading information and inexperienced staff. When I was first looking into online education, cost was my main concern. So when AIU told me the cost for one year was $16,000 and that I would finish in one year (their accelerated program) I jumped on it!
Then about 8 months into it, I was socked with an $11,000 bill. I immediately called my advisor and to my surprise it was a different one than before. They pretty much denied the fact they told me that and then guilted me into finishing because I was "so close". That being said, I bit the bullet.
Since April I've been receiving congratulatory emails about my impending graduation August 20. Then 1 month before my graduation date I get a phone call from some intern saying I lack 6 classes. YEA, 6 CLASSES, NOT CREDITS! After I picked my chin off the table, I asked why. She said I never got my Associates degree like I told them I would.
It seems they were under the "assumption" that I was going to continue to go to another school to finish an Associates degree. Well, you all know what you get when you assume. I asked why nobody contacted prior to this to tell me that. She didn't have an answer. So I called my advisor, Kelly Haynes. She wasn't in so I left her a message asking her to immediately contact me or I would report them to the BBB. I never got a call back.
I did get a call from Stephano Woo who didn't want to discuss the fact I was never told, but more or less said you need these classes or you won't graduate. Here are some questions I asked and the answers I got.
Q. Can I take the classes elsewhere and have them transfer to AIU?
A. Yes, if you do it before August 20. (Yea, like I can really finish 6 classes in 6 weeks when the summer session is already started. I think this was the idea.)
Q. Why do I need to take another college level Biology and Math class?
A. Ohhh, you already took them? We will have to look into that. (they already had my transcript)
Q. Can I take a 'leave of absence' from school and then return later on?
A. Yes, but they're only granted for EXTREME cases and you must apply for it by midnight TONIGHT.
Q. Why didn't anyone contact me prior to this about the other classes? (I asked this several times without and answer, then...)
A. We should have, ooops.
Needless to say, I contacted other universities and they couldn't help me finish my BA b/c that level class doesn't transfer. Coincidence, I think not.
So now I have to study for 2 CLEP exams and hopefully pass or spend $5000 to finish my degree by October. I really had no other option at this point. I need to finish.
I wish i had chosen university of phoenix instead!
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