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Regency Beauty Institute

Regency Beauty Institute review: Terrible experience 69

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1:41 pm EDT
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Currently Regency is opening new locations all over the United States. I became aware of them via the internet and decided to give them a call. At the same time I was also looking into another beauty institute of equal caliber. Regency doesn't have a campus here yet while the other place does.

I went for a tour of the other school and they gave me a lot of really great information. Even though the other school impressed me I still felt that Regency was more practical because it was going to be a closer location. I decided to call Regency back and ask them question about policies that the other school had presented that made me curious as to how they compare. My admissions person was Jamie Widmer but when I called she was busy on another call so I spoke with another woman whom was african american and proved to have a rather sour and rude attitude problem.

I started asking questions such as do you supply products or are students required to do so and is the price of the kit covered by financial aid. The lady acted less than thrilled when answering my questions and really wanted to rush me off the phone. I asked her if they had information they could send me that I could look over and she huffed at me then answering we don't have any information we can send you.

My last question is what set her off, I simply asked do you have a dress code and she went off asking me if I had been talking to other schools and if this is where these questions coming from. I answered honestly by saying I had looked into one other school but felt that I preferred Regency's policies she asked me to hold on. After about 1 minute or 2 she came back on the line and said didn't you just talk to Jamie and didn't Jamie answer all of my questions already and I replied yes but she just told me that I was accepted to the school and that I never got to ask her any questions.

I felt like I did something wrong and I was getting treated like a child. Regency's behavior honestly made up my mind. I am withdrawing my application and attending the other school. I recommend you spend some time talking with Regency before you give them a dime of your money.

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69 comments
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Melissa Catchings
, US
Nov 15, 2018 12:37 am EST

Hello I paid my entire tuition up front. Can anyone help me on how to get it back? Please!

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Fair Lady
Smyrna, US
Jul 23, 2012 12:06 pm EDT

This school should be shut down! I have a loan out for $20, 000 that was suppose to ensure me a decent education at what I thought to be a reputable school, , , at least that's what was presented to me during the tour before I enrolled. I have been at this school for some months now and have been harassed, witness continual drug use and people getting their things stolen from them. I can't believe this is what I have put money on.. They do nothing about the students that are bullying, threatening and intimidating other students and educators! The educators are good but I don't know how they tolerate working in this environment. Please Don't waste your money on this school!

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-Unknown
Springfield, US
Aug 19, 2016 6:04 am EDT

I started school at regency in begining of april. Let me fill you in. I lived in southeast Kansas. I was searching for cosmetolgy schools around missouri. II saw regencys website and it is very well put together so i emailed them and the same day got a phone call. I asked them to send me some information and they where happy to. Well i decided to come 160 miles for a campus visit one week. An educator took us on a tour of the school. Her nsigned up. Her name is Liz. She was nice and did a good job. Well we got done with the tour and went into th main office and they got us signed up. We took a little test, gave them all of our infrmation, and got to chat with them for a little. Timmy was very excited for us to start. Well we drove the 160 miles back home and started getting things together. We moved here three weeks later. My cousin and i got a apartment together. I left everything back in Kansas. Well I was very excited to start. I have been interested in cosmetolgy since I was at least 9. Well anyway we started school and everything was ok. It is true, the do make you fold towels, wash them, work front desk, and all that. The first instructor I had was Elisa and let me tell you she is the best. When I was struggling she was right there. She ensured me not to worry I was doing fine. i had her for a month. Then she had to go out to performance floor with others and we got a different educator. Ever since this educator has came in I have wanted to quit. This instructor tells you what you have to do then either sits done and dont pay attention or she leaves the room alot. Well today was a test day and I not only go to school from 8:30 am - 5pm but i also have a job to keep a living. Well I did not have something done. I understood I could not take the test. I was thinkin maybe instead of leaving and docking my hours i could stay and keep practicing for when i could take the test. No, she came back in and was VERY rude. Tellin me i had to leave and started saying very hateful things. I loved what i was doing and I enjoyed school but now Iwant to quit and this perfession seams no fun because of the so far expierance regency has givin me. Now Im here 160 miles away from home and hating my discisson. Dont make te same mistake. THink out all your options. Regency is not the best one for me.

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mz benz chavez
, US
May 25, 2016 6:41 pm EDT

I have to agree with ALL the people that disagree to the way this school runs! UNBELIEVABLE the way most students, and instructors are. DO NOT ATTEND THIS SCHOOL. WHO EVER ALLOWED SUCH CURRICULUM TO BE TAUGHT? If that's even the right word, because you get taught nothing. The three weeks I was allowed to attend, I guess I used my time wisely because of You Tube. I learned a lot through that. Trust me, not worth the money!

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Patricia Holmes
, US
Jan 22, 2016 11:58 am EST

Regency is very prejudice they do not hire African Americans

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raybansrock
, US
Aug 17, 2015 1:28 pm EDT

I went to this school in Independence MO and it was the worst experience of my life! not only are the instructors horrible to certain students but the administrator at my location named MS Jackie was awful at her job but the corporate is just as bad! I have since left and have tried to transfer programs but they will not release my transcripts even though they are PAID IN FULL! On top of them being so horrible to me they do not treat the clients well either. I remember being told to "Water Down" the bottle of conditioner so that it lasted longer and to up the price I originally told one of my clients because she "looked uppity" to the girl working the front desk. I also heard one of the administrators tell a lady to go get her hair fixed at a high dollar salon since she didn't like the way it turned out...in all fairness the woman was in her 40's with yellow hair because the girl working on her didn't use toner...an easy fix that the so called "teacher" could have pointed out. I suggest NOBODY ever step foot in this school!

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Ashley J
Cleveland Heights, US
Jul 16, 2015 6:37 am EDT

I've been attending regency since February... I'm going to keep it short... It's a scam all they want is your money... Then if you want to leave and transfer hours they will say you owe 5, 000... Hmmmm they told me and another student who started after me the same amount...REALLY... the teachers are a joke and studio luma is sh**.. Since when do you learn hair of a tablet?... I've never been so stressed in my life...this school has so many requirements 1) attendance 80% 2) 500 hair cuts 2, 000 styles 30 nail credits ect. O and if you don't have them all in by graduation they will not give you your diploma 3)FASFA ha they will take all your money 4) you need a note for EVERYTHING and it has to get approved by the hire up... My friends grandma died and she took a leave and sent in her grandmothers obituary they told her that wasn't good enough and termed her for 3 months ... Just do your research before you attend... O and I've only seen 4 people graduate on time many the young stylist with no kids and no responsibilities

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RegencyNOTSafe
Houston, US
May 18, 2015 11:49 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

As I read the comments, it seems as we all attend the same school not matter where we are located. I was tricked into going to Regency; as stated to the guy who did the tour(I wont say his name) he didnt take me on a tour he said the floor was too busy, and the classes were testing. Keep in mind, I inform him, that I hold hours as well an expired license. I was told during the tour to take the re-fresh class that was part time. The call center agents were great, to get your all signed up, first day of school is was cool, the next week it was HELL, they did mention that their were two seperate classes. Rotation A and B, however when I arrive rotation A was off. When they came back it was 2 fights my first week. Next week and encounter with a disprespect instructor, who forgot i was a grown 30 year female just like she was. There was no respect, plenty of fights, and too much drug activity going on. After several complaints, nothing was done, no calls being retunred from corporate and even I was told be had no area manager, Just so we could not complain. I RESIDE IN HOUSTON TX, AND Regency SW Campus is not Safe and DO NOT GO THERE! If you are license and have hours contact TDLR for the informatin yo uneed do not talk to school officials. THEY WILL LEAD YOU WRONG AND A STRAY, AND YOU will POSSIBLY CAUGHT A CASE. ! Good Luck!

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JENNIER PINKERTON TEXAS
The Woodlands, US
Apr 22, 2015 11:01 am EDT
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Hi my son has been a student with them for over a year yes over a year why? Because of all the fighting and drama that goes on at that school off of Cypresswood and 45 N in Spring Texas! I am so angry they dropped him because of his attendance well maybe my son didnt want to go to jail for having to defend himself or maybe he was so stressed out on women trying to attack him because they knew he would not hit a woman! he only has 400 hours left and I had told him just to stick it out hes almost done and now corporate will not even speak to me! PLEASE PLEASE SOMEONE DO SOMETHING TO HELP THESE STUDENTS GET THEIR EDUCATION COMPLETED AND FEEL SAFE ATTENDING SCHOOL THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!

JENNIFER PINKERTON TEXAS

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KMills855
tucson, US
Feb 27, 2015 2:14 pm EST

I just left the Tucson East Campus. The new Campus Manager is a nightmare, we cant use color on our manikins < yeah I know crazy. We have Ipad that we don't get to keep or use when we need or want. yet they charge you 19, 000$ in tuition! No books, workbook etc ONLY AN IPAD THATS NOT EVEN YOURS. You cant study ahead or at home. Not even during down time. They say there is an app for the program but it never works right. The instructor always tells us "We are just here to get you to pass state board" In other words she is just there for the paycheck.

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Chsty27
Houston, US
Mar 05, 2014 9:04 am EST

I live in Houston, and want to know if the campus here is ok to atte
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Lexus1
Saint Louis, US
Apr 22, 2010 3:20 am EDT
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I'm a former student and I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone! They are focused on the wrong things, they make you sell products, wash, and fold towels, and clean up their building as if we were janitors. It's like you're at work. They waste so much time on product knowledge, especially if you don't plan on using Redkin products. As for the teaching, its okay I did learn things while in class, but I was totally lost when I was put on the floor. My attendance dropped and so did my confidence. I was in hell! They could be inappropriate when it came to their African American students, everything was black and white. They used the few black people for examples of coarse hair like they didn't make us purchase 5 manikin heads which was really stupid, and sometimes embarrassing. They just made everything so hard to do, we had to bring in models for everything! Why is my grade affected by my friends and family's willingness to drive all the way to my campus, and receive services that they don't want? (I don't know anyone who gets perms so what would I be failed because of that?) Our campus manager Miss Michelle is a total fake, she knows what to say to get you to enroll and then she couldn't care less about you after you're stuck. Our Floor manager Connie drives everybody crazy! She walks around looking for something to ### about, she really has a problem. She has one of the worst attitudes I've ever come across, she's a rude know it all! The way she walks around telling people what to do, you would think she was the campus manager. Miss Michelle acts all nice, and uses Connie to do her dirty work because she doesn't want to look like the bad guy. They don't teach you anything about African American hair, because they don't know anything about it except that it's coarse lol I truly wish someone would have warned me about this school because it's definitely not worth the money, they charge way to much to be so basic. They don't even have to pay for janitors, or a front desk worker because we're forced to do that! Oh and the Advisers are lazy, rude, and very unprofessional! They lose paper work, and expect you to fax things over and over, it's just ridiculous! Regency is well below average, and one of my biggest mistakes. Regency Beauty Institute St.Peters, Mo is where this took place.

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Sawyer1978
Atlanta, US
Aug 01, 2013 8:59 pm EDT

We pay$17, 000 plus to sit and make this company money doing nail services! I'm ready to graduate and I don't know how to cut hair. I've been telling my educators this. And still I'm told turn a pedi into a cut. How about we do away with nail services and focus on hair? I know how to paint nails! I'm so mad. Want a waste of time and money! I think I need to see a lawyer! I've expressed my concerns to corporate, campus manager, and educators. I'm not wasting$17, 000.

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stephen360
Saint Louis, US
Nov 05, 2012 2:21 pm EST

When I first went for my interview at regency beauty institute I was assured that their school was cutting edge I asked questions I wanted to know the educational structure and how well I would be prepaired for state boards Michelle the store manager told me that Regency prides its self on teaching all of its students the most innovative skills in hair design what I should have asked was is this a safe environment will I feel as though I can learn without distraction...

my very first day seemed to be going well until we wheretold we could have a break from work shop I and three other students whent to the break room a girl came in and immediately started cursing and saying how she did not want to blanking do this woman’s perm I was shocked so we myself and the other students reported this to Michelle and Melisa we where assured that this would be taken care of they then proceeded to take me to the floor and have me point the girl out to them even though we had described what the girl was wearing and the color of her hair

after that we had another break Melisa walked up to me in the hall and whispered we have had problems with the girls takeing male clients to the mens room if you see anything like this please tell us

that shocked me because I am male and I have to use the restroom there I didn't want to see women in the mens bathroom so I felt freaked out since the door did not lock that at any moment some one would barge in on me while I was using the rest room

if I did this and went to the lady's room I could be arrested there was a point in time when our work shop door was open and two girls got into a fist fight over a pair of 99 cent nail clippers there was such a comosion that Melissa had to close the door there where instances where young ladys younger then myself you see I am 33 years old would call me a boy say that I am there boy or lets play with the boy I told them to quit it made me feel uncomfortable and I felt that it was wrong to refer to me in such a manner we where told to come out on the floor to watch people doing hair when the same girl who had cursed the woman out the first day started cat calling me and patting the side of her seat as iff to suggest I should sit in her lap it got to be so absurd that I felt it necessary to inform them that I am gay and happily partnered something that I feel I should not have had to repeat numerous times at any rate I do not feel that women should act in such a manner I find it morally repugnant when my Straight counter parts do like wise

I contacted corprate and informed them of what was going on they told me they where sorry and it would be handled they called Michelle and she whent on the floor and further alienated me from the class

we where told to bring some one in so we could cut there hair I did my friend told me she loved her bob but Melissa pulled me to the side and told me how screwed up the hair cut was and that I just needed to understand that men have to learn these things while women are born naturally with this set of skills that angered me seeing as she would constantly fast forward the educational tapes because she was bored once during a roller set I was so frustrated that I asked her is this how it is supposed to look she answered I don't know is it I tripped over a chair I nearly fell and was asked to go to the office Michelle and Melissa procedded to gang up on me I started crying I told them I did not feel as though I was wanted at there school I told them again every thing that had went on including how a bunch of lady's from the floor had come into our class and started talking about how stupid men are and that if it wasn't for women we'd all be did the continued to do this while I was in the room I continual;ly told them that not all men are like that it made me feel really bad about my self for not getting what they where trying to teach me after I was told that all men are stupid Melissa would make comments about her husbands general buffoonery and all the women would laugh I felt isolated I felt that I was stupid I felt that I was not supposed to be there every time I addressed the issue I was told I was being to sesitive I even went so far as to make an analogy I said how would you feel if you where the only woman in a plumbers trade school and all the men made stupid women jokes and because you couldn't seem to get the welding right your instructor a man told you
don't worry little lady it's just what men do you'll have to work harder to learn this because men are born welders they told me that what was happening to me was different how I felt alienated and isolated because of my gender I was the minority there was another male student but he was hardly there because he was part time I never really got to ask what his experiences at the Melville campus was I finally decided regency was not the school for me and I left I am in attendance now at a four year Univercity however I need the transcrip[ts from regency they wont give them to me until I pay 4000 dollars I cant do that I don't make enough money to pay 450 dollars a month I have other bills the people at regency laugh at me when I call them and tell them why I left they refuse to resolve this matter and now it has gone to collections.
I do not make a lot of money I called Regency yet again to try and resolve this they laughed at me and told me I had to call penecal financial I did they took my bank routing and account number they are chargeing me 150 dollars a month and informed me that after march they are going to increese the payments I can bairly pay these and keep afloat.

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ilovethisindustry
League City, US
Oct 21, 2012 9:43 pm EDT

As in anything you have to gather as much information to help you in the long run. I am a stylist and an educator. I have a bachelor's degree and also served in the military. Cosmetology is my passion. I truly enjoy working in the salon and I love teaching. Understand that every situation is what you make it and if you choose to fuss and complain about the trivial things, they eventually become horrible situations that consume you. Keep in mind that every school has rules and regulations that govern them and I promise that your local state board is aware of each aspect of your schools rights and wrongs. We all have choices and sometimes we get so caught up in what is wrong that we don't stop to look at all that is right.
I am licensed in 2 states and in one of those state, the students were really treated horribly. I got my cosmo license and instructor license there. But my reality was I wanted to do this and inspite of all that was going wrong, I was going to finish this and when I clocked out for the last time, I could say HAHAHAHA SUCKAS! You can't let your lack of trying be the reason for you to call out everyone else. I have worked in 2 states now and what it comes down to is not "the school". It is how you view your education and whether you want it bad enough. If this is your passion, nobody can stop you. And remember that anything that is worth having is worth fighting for. I had to have it and the racist school that I went to that tore me down couldn't stop me from becoming more than I could've thought. I have dreams and they were not in them. I started at one school for my instructor's license and decided that it was not a good fit for me. I lost all of my hours when I transferred and had to start all over but it's what I wanted. It hurt my pride but I'm better for it. By the time I was half way through my instructor's program, I was getting recruited by the school I'd left.
If you choose another school that fits you, that is great but keep in mind that everyone is not like you and what you may see as an issue they may see as life. Take some time to reflect and reevaluate how much this means to you. This industry needs trendsetters and those filled with passion. I love educating and I love "doing hair". I hate that all of you are so upset about this school because I'm an educator at a Regency campus and I try my best to uplift my students and give them the best of me because they paid for it and they deserve it. I wish you all well on your ventures.

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Hotheaded mom
Cincinnati, US
Oct 16, 2012 8:06 pm EDT
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To The student from Mishawaka, IN: the exception to the term: I really wish you could have read these reviews before you signed with them. I wish the same for me and my daughter also. These reviews are very important to others who need to be aware of companies that take advantage of people. Whenever someone ask me about a cosmetology school, I let them know what happened to my daughter and I would not recommend anyone to attend this school. I met another mother who's daughter went to Regency and she said she hated it and quit. If you find out how they can be investigated please let me know.
Hotheaded Mom,
Cincinnati, OH

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sweetsugar298
Charlotte, US
Sep 26, 2012 5:16 am EDT
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Regency wants that money and will talk nice until they persuade you to sign up and join there school. I will take up cosmetology at a community college. Don't care if it takes me longer to do so. I know bs when I see it. Tour absolutely showed me what I needed to see. A bunch of unorganized students in a lost world. Smh...I'm keeping my money in my pocket. If I don't get the $25 app fee back...then oh well. It won't be $18, 000 they think their getting.

I visited the campus in Charlotte NC and when I first walked through the door, I loved the scenery. It was nicely decorated with products and clean. Everything looked up to date, but that's still not enough to win me over. I visited the two classrooms where the actual breaking point in what opened my eyes! Seemed like there was an advanced class and new student class. Neither one had students that seemed to know what they were doing. They were all over the place and had no structure at all. Wth were they learning is what went through my mind. I just took it all in. So then, the admissions lady who seemed lost herself says, "So are you ready to join? Do you have your ID, Diploma, and $25." I shouldve said no. But I gave it to her and said I cannot join today for sure because I needed to talk it over with my fiance. She seemed to not care and said she needed me to fill out some paperwork. I had to leave and she wanted me to do what I had to do and hurry back to fill out these forms. Boy, I was so frustrated. Long story short, I did my financial aid fafsa and didn't sign there stupid authorization form that they keep calling me for. I told them tell me what I qualify for without that form. They can't. So I said I can't attend. These people are pissing me off and I'm never going to their school due to the things I've already had to deal with. Lord knows what these people are doing and the main ones in charge for cheating these poor people...WILL PAY LATER ON. THAT'S A FACT!

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RegencyisAwful
Anoka, US
Jul 06, 2012 4:22 pm EDT

Regency is by far the worst experience of my life and I regret every moment of it. Of course I didnt finish because who the hell wants to pay 15k to hang out with a bunch of little brats and unprofessional instructors who publicly poke fun at students during class. I went to Blaine, MN campus and we literally had to have little meetings twice a week to try and stop the bullying ad harrassing that was going on between not only students but instructors as well. I was so confused, I hadn't experienced this kind of immaturity since middle school. There was one instructor who called me out randomly in front of the entire class and to try and explain a hair color vs skin tone lesson, she used me as an example of basically what to NEVER do with your hair. Uhm.. it was completely uncalled for. I have always been a natural blonde. I have fair skin and blue eyes and... she swore up and down that I had the absolutely wrong color. From that point on I was convinced the whole place was a joke. I receive compliments on my hair everyday from strangers, and established hair dressers so I know she's full of crap. Everything about the school was shady and ###. I saw girls crying everyday because some other little ### decided to ruin her day. It was fr sure no kind of environment to learn and a HUGE WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY. DO NOT GO HERE. I am still paying for ### that only made my life worse. Its lik paying thousands of dollars for a couple curling irons and a hair dryer because those are the only things I got out of it. I feel like they should be shut down, and exposed for the disgusting and pathetic facility they are.

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LalanaKwanchai
Cincinnati, US
Jun 28, 2012 12:18 am EDT

I recently enrolled at Regency Beauty Institute in Tri-County, Ohio. I have to say that I didn't do too much research before my tour but I am very excited about starting on July 26th, 2012.

The lady from headquarters who first spoke with me, Sarah, was very enthusiastic and informative. She is honestly the main reason why I decided that Regency would be the school for me. Also, when I went on my tour I absolutely fell in love and thats what did it for me. I signed my enrollment papers and paid my fee and walked out a happy camper.

Later when I came back home I decided to research things for the first day of class, get a little comfortable with how school would be, and too look at student reviews. And to be honest you guys are scary. Lol not in a bad way but I have yet to see many good reviews. But I mean of course I won't see them here because its a complaint board.

My point is many people who have good experiences in their lives just leave it at that. They don't feel the need to talk about it. Yet people who have a crappy experience feel the need to express is to the entire world.

Most of what you all say I understand tremendously. But I also feel like these are a lot of things that people complain about in day to day life. More so, I believe it's ones responsibility to make there experience into whatever they would like for it to be.

Point blank, I am hoping that I have as good of an experience learning in their establishment just like I enjoyed my self during the tour. If not, oh well. I learn and I live. But your guys's reviews have opened my eyes and will make me very eerie and look out for things most definitely. As much as I wish I could have seen good reviews you guys are very helpful and I am sorry your experiences did not work out in your favor.

Hope things are different in my case -_- (:

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Slavetogreed Regency
, US
Jun 19, 2012 3:23 pm EDT

THE PROBLEM IS AT THE TOP WITH REGENCY REGIONALS, VP'S AND CORPORATE OWNERS & OFFICE STAFF. They're greedy and tolerate bad behavior from Campus staff members (especially if they are ethnic). In my opinion they are so BLINDED BY AND ADDICTED to state subsidies provided to students who are not interested in being there, or are there with electronic bracelets on there ankles, that they don't hold their instructors and staff accountable. I once knew a great, motivating and talented (white) campus leader that was harassed and unfairly treated by ethic staff every time she tried to enforce integrity and a professional culture-PS the students LOVED HER and she set them up for success. If you want a great education, with NO DRAMA, don't choose a Regency School.

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gonnalovetoday
kettering, US
Jun 01, 2012 5:44 pm EDT

I also attended regency, WORST mistake of my life! I am looking into a lawyer actually, the teachers talked ### all day.. they were all immature, there was no structure in the classrooms and like the other student posted above they would treat some better than others based on looks and popularity! They did little to no teaching and it is definitely not worth $18, 000 for this school! I had students break in my locker and steal my stuff and they have security cameras but showed zero effort in trying to solve it! Pretty sure they were never real in the first place, My WHOLE kit was stolen and they didn't do a thing about it..I asked them every day for about a week and they acted as if i was a nuisance. The teachers talk behind your backs to students and other staff members, ZERO professionalism! I heard ugly mean rumors about other students and it would come out of the teachers mouth, so how are you going to respect them. They changed the rules like every other week, COMPLETE waste of my money! Do not go here, you will regret it.. They mislead you with a pretty building and fake ### people giving you the tour.. seriously pull aside a student and see what they have to say..

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ChingosChinos
Austin, US
Apr 06, 2012 12:16 pm EDT

I was an educator @ Regency I was threatened harassed and assaulted at the campus
Management and Headquarters were notified repeatedly of student behavior issues -.but took no action to secure my safety and allowed this situation to escalate FOR MONTHS! It was a horrible experience for me and the other students who were subjected to this. I would reccomend ANY school that is not REGENCY

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Angela wrongfully terminated at Aveda
madison, US
Mar 27, 2012 5:16 pm EDT
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Aveda is just as bad! I was terminated over something I didn't even do. I attend a community college cosmetology program and I love the training and the price. I''ve got a lawyer now and I hope to get justice for what Aveda did to me.

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bdstx2000
, US
Feb 12, 2012 7:38 am EST

it's all true... where's the lawyer who wants to take this on?

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Smash4207
burnsville, US
Jan 30, 2012 8:00 pm EST

I went to Regency and it was a big waste of time for sure. I got terminated for being late on a tuition payment. I had talked at atleast six people regarding my circumstances and that it'd be late they ALL told me it was okay, and that I just had to have everything paid off before my graduation date, which was 2 months away. Didn't think anything of it, go to school a few days later and I can't clock in because I got suspended. No phone call, no letter they send me an e-mail to inform me. I don't check my e-mails every day so I didn't know. So they tell me I can go back once I pay the amount owed, and their attendance policy is still in tact while suspended. So I pay the amount I owe, and am informed that I got terminated for missing too many days of school. REALLY?! Now they won't release my transcripts to the college I've been attending so I can't receive financial aid. Not only do they steal your money, they don't teach you ###. The teachers would literally take over hair cuts and colors for students because they were bored.

f*** this school. Honestly anyone interested in this ### hole of a school, don't think twice just don't go to Regency. They have literally scammed everyone I went to school with out of money, or not allowed them to graduate. I wasn't allowed back, and since they wouldn't release my transcripts I couldn't even go to a different beauty school. Better off going to Aveda or a better established school.

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HAIRSTYLIST2011
Cincinnati, US
Sep 20, 2011 9:24 pm EDT

I am a graduate from regency tri county cincinnati ohio, AND I MUST HAVE TO SAY I HATE THAT SCHOOL, NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS I WAS HARRASSED BY A EDUCATOR, ACTUALLY BITEN . AND THE SCHOOL DIDNT TAKE IT VERY SERIOUSLY . POORLY RAN AND NOT WORTH 17 GRAND I WOULDNT RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE

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Ashley410
Queen Creek, US
Sep 01, 2011 7:06 pm EDT

I am currently attending Regency in Mesa, AZ. My first phone call was very helpful. The woman I spoke with was truly amazing. She was so nice and helpful. I then took a tour, and the campus manager helped me with ANY/EVERY question I had. So I enrolled that day, and because of a promo they had, it only cost me $25, so that was amazing as well. I got going on my FAFSA, and their student aid team was wonderful in helping me with anything I had questions for. I spoke with Brian P, and he was by far more helpful than anyone I've ever spoke to. After completing all the info I needed for school, he told me I go to school for free, and they're actually PAYING me over $3, 000 to go to school! I get over $7, 000 in pell grants (far over the maximum) and the loans I have to pay back, the interest rate is by far the lowest I have had in anything. Everyone I spoke to helped my incredulously and I could not ask for anything more than what I got. I honestly think you had a bad experience with just one person, and yes, they should get fired. But you shouldn't have based one bad phone call with a person on whether or not you would choose that school. I hope you found the best education with a beauty school.

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blind
Columbia, US
Aug 26, 2011 2:01 am EDT

Companies will do ANYT HING to get thier grubby hands on Federal Funding. FAFSA money is what it's ALL about. Pay the cha-chang, be there every day and don't rock the boat. God forbid anyone actually see what's really going on here. A class action lawsuit is just a matter of time. The co. just has'nt pissed off the right one yet. "Karma" applies to everyone; even Regency. Advisors are just, "Now, now, there, there" people. They don't solve anything and they tell everything. Never think conversations with them are private. Then there's the retaliation from the management. They'll ride your ###, find ways to cheat you and CHARGE YOU TO DO IT! WITH INTREST! Lawyer up, I say.

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AzCowboi
Tucson, US
Apr 26, 2011 1:41 am EDT

I am an instructor of Cosmetology, and it saddens me to read these complaints. I must say though, things like this happen in all schools! Always remember that any school will have on their best face when you go in to talk to an enrollment rep, ask to spend a whole day watching the school run. If they decline and don't allow you to sit-in for a full day, go on to the next school! The biggest problem you will tend to find with beauty schools is the old saying; "Those who can't do Teach." Meaning most the Teacher you will find out there couldn't make it in the salon, so they went into teaching where they knew they would get a salary. And the stylist that are doing great out there, the schools can't afford to pay them enough to quit working in the salon. I am one of the few exceptions to that rule, I did very well in the salon, invested quite well and instead of retiring 7 years ago, I decided to pass on my knowledge.
I have nothing to hide and presented with a prospective student, I invite them to spend the day with us and to talk to all the students. When you go into watch the school, pay attention to how busy the clinic floor is, you can't learn if you don't have clients to work on. Also watch how the instructor's on the floor interact with the student and their clients. Get contact info for the students you talk to, after you leave if you come up with questions and those students and the school, see if their answers match.
Good luck to all the perspective students out there!

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Justtryingtodowhatiwastoldihadtodo...
Greenwood, US
Apr 09, 2011 6:42 pm EDT
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I was fine with this school until recently. I am at the Greenwood, IN campus, and there has nothing but lies going on there. My progress was great and so was my attendance, but one day they have this lady from corporate come in and tell us that how Regency has been putting in your progress is wrong, and that they were breaking state law by not having us complete all of the live model requirements. That suddenly we had to have all of our live model requirements and that even if you only had a month or two left that was not their problem or fault. We were in a uproar. Sure, there is drama there, and teachers that don't have licenses (there's also great teachers, who can only do some much with that place, it's not their fault) and the way they find ways to charge you can be ridiculous, but I kept to myself and did what I was supposed to, I actually even kinda liked it. After them breaking the law though and having no disregard for how I will scramble to find 30 people who want perms and relaxers, 100+ haircuts on live people, 100+ hairstyles, etc. on live people when we are overstaffed with students and we only get 1 perm or relaxer on average on the floor at my campus before we graduate. It's early impossible now for me to graduate because they broke the law, state law, and they will take no blame for it. State Law came in one day though and went through all of our files, and all of the students who graduated files (they keep them for up to 6 years) and then had every one of us students fill out on paper every complaint we had with that school, I can't wait to see what they do, hopefully they do do something. I pray they are reprimanded because now I will have to be there longer to get where I need to be for a huge mistake they made, and I am sure they will try charging me for it too, because that is all they care about, is your money.

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56two
, US
Apr 03, 2011 12:18 am EDT

man this place in arlington tx the receny beauty school suck! i got my hair done there by this girl, Summer C.and she totally messed up my hair. i wanted a peek a boo hightlight and in the end i got a tiger stripe! i was mad as hell but just didnt say none cuz i got what i paid for but hey i would thought the school taught the students better than that. Arrgggh and then on top of that i got the ugliest layer cut ever! she just got the scissor and started cuttin off the my hair like soo damn short and its really awful! please dont go there!

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HATEREGENCY2
Lima, US
Mar 08, 2011 11:53 pm EST

F U C K REGENCY SERIOUSLY DO NOT EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR GO THERE! ITS SUCH A DAMN RIP OFF! especially when you drop out because you realize how much that place sucks! i started school in October 2010 and quit in december 2010. Well when i quit, they tell me that in order to transfer my grades i would have to pay back a certain % of the hrs i completed which was about $1660. & thats only if you QUIT & TRANSFER GRADES. But if i didnt want to transfer my grades than it didnt matter! WELLLLL thats not true! this month of FEBRUARY they sent my information to a COLLECTIONS AGENCY and told them that i was suppose to have that money paid by OCTOBER 2010! i didnt even [censor]ing quit school until december! they [censor]ed up my credit so bad because EVERYONE in the head quarters is a complete [censored]. i didnt quit in [censor]ing october i quit in decemember so how did that bill bounce back 2 months? HMMMMM! they are a bunch of scammers! and now let me just tell you how much the school itsself sucked. IT WAS THE BIGGEST WASTE OF TIME I HAVE EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! you barely learn anything they teach it to you half [censor] and theres only one classroom so your in the same room with ppl who have been there for months! [censor] THAT PLACE

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Angela wrongfully terminated at Aveda
madison, US
Jan 19, 2011 12:22 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I don't know the contract you signe but cosmetology schools are scammers. Please report them to the Office of Inspector General [protected] or email them at hotline.oig@dc.gov and call your state board of cosmetology arts and sciences to file a report on any mistreatment by Regency. Complain to the Department of Education but always send your complaints in email or writte and mail to them. If you only have a phone report, it won't do any good. Also, find out the accrediting agency for Regency and file a complaint. NACCAS (National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences) phone 703-600-7600is Aveda's accreditor. I even wrote my congress in NC about the racket that cosmetology schools have. My advice is for you to call a lot of different lawyers and ask them if you have to pay back the money within a year, because that sounds illegal. I would like to start a class action lawsuit against cosmetology schools in general for unethical [censor] that they all cosmetology schools do. If a bunch of us get together we can do something about this scam by cosmetology schools. Please contact me at arussell25@yahoo.com ...I have been battling this for a year and may be able to help you more.

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tyang
Milwaukee, US
Jan 18, 2011 11:09 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I dropped out of regency school and they say i have to pay the money i owned them within a year. $4, 000...? that is 340 a month...[censor], is this really true you have to pay them all back within a year...? need your people's comment back...

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Angela wrongfully terminated at Aveda
madison, US
Jan 18, 2011 1:23 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I hope you haven't enrolled at any Aveda Institute. I am in a legal battle with them to get my tuition back. You will find my experience with Aveda Institute on the complaint board. My advice to you is to go to your local community college. You will get the same education and pay peanuts compared to Aveda Institutes. Beware that a cosmetology can terminate a student at 50% of completed hours and collect 100% tuition, and tuition at Aveda Institutes go up to $22, 000.00. That's a lot of money to learn five univeral haircuts. Don't go to Aveda, it's too much of a gamble. They play favorites and you may not be one of them. Good luck!

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Oh Son
Royalton, US
Jan 04, 2011 8:08 pm EST

A class action suit is right but difficult. I recommend raising the issues with the Dept of Education. They have a subsection called The Office of Civil Rights. Their website has a complaint form http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html

Regency by law has to provide all students an equal opportunity to succeed. If you don't have people to perm or give white haircuts to and your failed as a result, I think you might have a strong argument. The Office of Civil Rights follows up on all complaints and they can award damages if you win.

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Purplestars27
Tucson, US
Dec 16, 2010 11:14 am EST

To sum up my concerning visit to Regency, I have pasted my letter I sent to them. The atmosphere was great and so was my admissions lady, but they need to change these stupid policies. I'm sorry to those who get caught in the same crosshairs as me and I'm glad I didn't enroll. I will be looking into Aveda. I'm posting this information not to jab at them, but to inform newly enrolling students of what I went through so they are informed because the admissions team at the 1-800 number sure didn't inform me.

"To whom it may concern:

I sent for information to enroll with the school possibly at the Tucson campus and I do have to say I do not enjoy the enrollment policies, or rather a specific policy. I have been to many schools to look into enrollment policies and have actually gone through at least 60% of two schools' programs, and I have never had a worse experience.

I went to Regency with very high hopes and enjoyed the talk with Dawn and the tour tremendously. Cosmetology has been a life long passion never been chased for various reasons, so naturally I was offered enrollment.

 The enrollment process was decent until Dawn asked if I had my enrollment fee of $25 (it being on special because of the holidays). I told her I didn't have the fee right now, but if she could hold off on enrollment until Friday and I could take the $25 then when I had money. I didn't even want her to hold a spot for me necessarily in Jan, just hold the fee for me since I couldn't gather the money in time. She told me, apparently, the offer was only good the day of touring. I know this is not her fault, it is Regency's very un-friendly policy. I tried my best to try to get it that day, but I couldn't. I was too embarrassed that I couldn't even come up with $25 to call her back.

I feel it's very absurd that it is only good that day, even if it is on special and if I was TOLD this exact quote (that it is only good that day) then I would have rescheduled my tour for a day AFTER my husband's pay day. I have had to pay enrollment fees before, but the "offer" amount didn't magically change if I didn't have it that day. Once I was offered enrollment, the fee was locked no matter when I paid it. Yes, I understood we couldn't continue enrollment until it was paid, but I had only toured that day and it's very unfair to put that kind of pressure onto someone.

I could have very easily paid the $25 on Friday, or even $100 for that matter really, but I feel cheated out of a bargain that I was offered and never told the stipulations about. This policy has to change or be given very specific instructions and guidelines on the phone with a written consent of understanding. Regency lost a very loyal student and $15, 000+ because of this error and I hope this policy can be changed in the future for newly enrolling students.

Thank you for your time"

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renegcy3
, US
Dec 05, 2010 7:31 pm EST

i currently attend a regency school in IL. i understand why some people would be upset that they have to pay for the hours they have missed, but regency gives you a certain amount of days to miss that you DONT have to pay for. if you go over...thats when your in trouble. I have already missed quite a bit of school because of certain family issues and i very well may need to pay at the end, but i knew this coming into the school, they tell you! and if they dont before you sign up..they sure do after! so to me there is no reason anyone should be complaining or calling it a scam. if it was a scam they wouldnt WARN you first.

The reason regency makes you pay for hours you go over is cause they want you to graduate on time!
If you're not out of there, they cant let new students in! there is a limit to how many students can be enrolled at once.
They are trying to ENCOURAGE you to graduate on time so that you dont have to pay extra! and in my experience regency has been one of the cheapest schools i've looked into.

Regency is based on a very professional envoirnment that some people may not be used to, so maybe think about why your really angry..
is it because regency isnt that great of a school, or is it because your not that great of a student?

whose fault is it that you've missed class?...certainly not regency's.

so please everyone..grow up. you are about to be let go into the real world. your childish outlooks and attitudes wont get you very far.

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littleangle
Hendersonville, US
Oct 29, 2010 4:58 pm EDT

so far so good at this school. I have already paid my application fee. I wish I would have read this before!

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Onthescene
, US
Oct 25, 2010 2:51 am EDT

Im attending Regency in Round Rock TX. For the campus I haven't seen to many problems. The students are another topic... As any school goes there will be drama and there will be that group of girls who cant get over themselves and strive to ruin the experience for everyone else. Attitude I can deal with, its the wanna be ghetto, loud and martyr attitude some just CANT LEAVE at the door on the way in. The disrespect towards the Educators is extremly old, talking over them, and insubordinate behavior. The Educator is in that place bc they EARNED IT. Us that are still students havnt earned jack [censor] yet... Who would have though people still dont grow up even when their in their 20s & 30s with kids & family of their own. I think Regency should start kicking people out actually, those who cant seem to take the education seriously, NEED TO BE REMOVED. 3 strikes your out! Someone on here mentioned the student council, I havent seen anything good or really bad on ours yet.
Thankfully there are some cool people in the school, who are focused on the main goal (SCHOOL hence EDUCATION) and keep their personal life...just that...TO THEMSELVES. Also these (not in general, speaking of this campus only) Educators are willing to help you one on one when asked. All in all the only problem Im seeing with Regency is they need to have a better backbone, especially for those of us who want to learn something. If you can handle a few flighty people, and you dont feed into drama then you should try our campus. I understand this is a hell of a speech to say "come to Round Rock" lol but aside from some students this is a decent school. ...Hopefully I wont have to eat my words.

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