Grand Canyon University [GCU] review: financial aid/disbursement problems 80

Hello ConsumerGCUStudent,

If you'll kindly contact me directly at robyn.itule@gcu.edu, I'd be happy to assist you in regards to the matter you detailed above.

Thanks so much for reaching out to me.

Robyn Itule
Social Media Strategist
Grand Canyon University
robyn.itule@gcu.edu
[protected]

For-Profit University Agrees to Pay $5.2M For Alleged False Claims Act Violations
by fraudblawg on August 19, 2010
Whistleblower claims that for-profit online universities have employed illegal and misleading marketing practices have prompted Grand Canyon Education Inc., to pay $5.2 million, the company announced Wednesday. According to the allegations in the qui tam action, Grand Canyon wrongly paid its recruiters incentives causing them to make false promises to students and ultimately causing the federal government to waste millions of dollars in financial assistance that will never be recouped. Busisnessweek reports that:
Lawmakers have criticized aggressive marketing practices and allegedly misleading conduct by recruitment counselors in the for-profit education industry. Since 1992, it has been illegal in most cases for schools getting federal financial aid to compensate recruiters based on how many students they get enrolled. A rule proposed by the DOE this summer would eliminate the remaining exceptions.
The qui tam whistleblower award could be as much as $1, 300, 000. To report false claims involving government programs, contact Frohsin & Barger.

I have experience the same problem that all the other students have described. Since GCU changed over to the new system. Thus far I received two refunds one in August and another in November; I started my second Master program on June 24th. I have had to contact the financial aid department continuously. To make matter worse, I just started receiving letters and emails stated that my loans are due. Needless to say I was shocked, since I completed my 1st Master in May 2010. I have been in school since June 24th. I was told the matter would be corrected, but the letters keep coming. I do not want my financial aid or my ability to complete my education messed up. I have requested a hard copy of all communication to the providers for my records, a simple fact that should be done without asking. This along with the other issues must be corrected. As a consumer I should be able to view my disbursement amount and date on line. I should not have to continuously call my advisor. After the numerous emails, about my financial aid disbursement; to receive a letter requesting payments was the icing on the cake. To find out that the providers were not informed that I am in school set off numerous warning signs. I have talked with the financial aid director who promised to correct this matter, as of this date the letters continue .

Hello,

I received an email last night at 8:48pm Arizona time. With all GCU offices now open, I have brought that email to the attention of our Student Resolutions Team and someone will be contacting you shortly with regards to that email.

Thanks!
Robyn Itule

Social Media Strategist
robyn.itule@gcu.edu
[protected]

To GCU:
What can you do to further assit me ? I have gone down this road and have gotten nowhere. It's just a waste of my time and a let down that someone will help. I is t kind of disappointing that you would respond so quickly to my complaint on here but you have not answered my emails. Your offer of assistance is not geniune . It's just GCU trying to do damage control, unfortunatly it's too late !

Wow, the statements made above are alarming. I feel as though everyone else has described my situation. I have had nothing but stress and empty promises from this school. I have attended other schools and am very familiar with the financial aid process. My experiance with GCU has led me to believe no one there know's what they are talking about or they are a bunch of liars. It is either one or the other. I have pleaded for assistance from them but never get anywhere. I will now be going on as many complaint boards I can find online to make sure everyone knows what a scam this school is !

Hi Jenna,

Would you kindly contact me directly and I'll ensure that someone in senior management is advised of your situation.

Robyn Itule
Social Media Strategist

[protected]
ritule@gcu.edu

Hello dhec34,

If you'll kindly contact me personally as well I'd be happy to do all I can to help you resolve this situation. I apologize for any inconvenience you've experienced.

Many Thanks,
Robyn Itule

Grand Canyon University
Social Media Strategist

[protected]
ritule@gcu.edu

I've had the same problem. I'm just so tired of it. Semester after semester it's the same thing. And now that they've "upgraded" the system they use, it's even worse. I, too, am in the sixth week of this semester without any sign of the aid. My counselor is very nice but this is just ridiculous. Other colleges give you your aid on the first day of classes. Why is it so difficult with GCU? Day after day I check my account and still nothing. This is my last class for my master's degree but I think I'll look to another school to complete my student teaching. I just can't take this anymore! =(