In mid-October I enrolled with Axia University after filling out an online interest form and talking to my enrollment counselor for at least an hour. During this conversation, we talked about FAFSA and the EFC code I received and how that would reflect on my out-of-pocket expenses. I was told specifically that "if I came out-of-my-pocket more than $100 a year, he would be shocked", and that just by my EFC I not only qualified for pell grants but that I would qualify for other grants for housing since I am off campus and since my husband is active duty military. After filling out the FAFSA I was required to fax a copy of my 2006 W2's for verification purposes only which I did promptly.
My first block of classes started November 1st. All was well until I received an email from FAFSA stating that my EFC code had been corrected by my school or institution. Am I missing something here? Wasn't I along with everyone else who applied for financial aid given a pin number to be specifically mine? I did not hear anything from Axia stating any discrepancies with my application that needed corrected yet somehow on 12/10/07 almost 2 months after my application was processed and I was sent my yellow official copy of my SAR, it was corrected? Anyway, this obviously made me suspicious. I then received two emails from Citibank stating that my stafford loans had been accepted. How could this be since I stated in the application that I did NOT want loans? I talked to my enrollment counselor on the 23rd of December and he assured me that all was well and that I would have a hefty check coming my way. Well, the 24th I received in the mail, not one but TWO statements from Citibank showing the two loans respectively for $3500 and $4000. I completely understand that my education was not going to be free. Per my original EFC code of 975 I knew I would be contributing. However that EFC was changed fraudulently on 12/10/07 to 1519.
Unlike some of the others reporting on here, I decided to take action into my own hands. As of yesterday, 12/26/07, I called and canceled all loans with Citibank and was instructed to call the school to tell then to send the already disbursed funds back. I called my financial aid counselor, who I had yet to speak to, and left a message as he was unavailable for a chat.in my message I instructed him to send my monies back and to call me as soon as possible. He did however call me back about an hour ago. He was quite rude and to be perfectly honest, a jackass in every manner of the word. He didn't want to hear anything I said until I mentioned that FAFSA was looking into the corrected entry on 12/10/07 by the school without my knowledge. He also stated that they would not send the monies back to Citibank until I have sat out of classes for 29 days. Then, he changed. He said he was sorry that I felt this way and that I have aid in the form of a $4000 check coming to me. However, I had to complete the 26 credit hours before the money would technically be mine. WTF? Why not just apply it to my educational costs the way FAFSA intends? But, this also leaves the matter of the $3500 loan... Even with my EFC code being their fraudulent change, I would still need an additional $2000 out of pocket for a year. After trying to argue this with him he told me that I would still have to pay back financial aid. How? Is he an idiot? I canceled my loans, therefore I owe nothing. I will simply send the $4000 check back to FAFSA certified. We'll see if the 29 day rule applies and what other shenanigan's they come up with to embezzle more money from those who just want to further their education and build better lives.
My advice to anyone thinking about this University (uh hem JOKE) is to watch your FAFSA application status and check it frequently. They will change it and they will wait until you are almost done with your first block of classes before doing so. I caught mine quickly whereas others are not as fortunate. While this school may be working for some, I feel that they mislead you from the get-go. I had a great relationship with my enrollment counselor and feel ultimately betrayed by if anything his omission of what he should have told me. I really hope that his two daughters do not have a lying, manipulative counselor as I did.
Misledinindiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
U.S.A.
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