Kaplan University Reviews
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Real and Reasonable
School recommended by
Mindy
on
March 10, 2010
2/2 people found this review helpful
I have been attending Kaplan online for a year and a half. I am satified with the education that I am earning. Yes, I do feel that I am earning this education. The classes are not "easy", and this university is not a "diploma mill" as some have stated.
Do not attempt this college if you are not able to be self guided. Yes, your professors will for the most part be supportive and responsive. However, these are humans who have different personalities. Just like any other academic institution, you will find that not all instructors give as much attention or have as caring an attitude as others.
You are going to school at home, just like hundreds if not thousands of other online students around the world. Reality states you will be leaving voice mails if you feel that you must speak to a specific person. You will be on hold for a long time if you want questions answered right now.
I had a problem at one point with an acedemic advisor, I asked for her supervisor when I called in, and the problem was resolved. I have never had any problems with my financial aid that could not be corrected by filling out the proper form or submitting the correct paperwork. So far, my tuition has been covered by grants and loans.
I am looking forward to graduating within a year and am considering continuing on to achieve my master's degree.
Learn More about Kaplan UniversityDifficulty with Financial Aid
School recommended by
Annie
on
March 05, 2010
Review not yet rated
The classes at Kaplan were challenging to me, and I enjoyed them. However, the financial aid department could use some work. I completed my degree work in September 09. It took my grant almost 2 months to post, and when I asked what was the problem. It was told to me that the system was slow. In December 09 I was charged a $100 technology fee for the December session, hello I finished in September. I have complained to them several times and it still is on my ledger.
Professors are great, Financial Aid needs to go back to school
School recommended by
Dawn
on
March 04, 2010
3/3 people found this review helpful
For the most part, my classes have gone very well and I have either been on the Dean's List or received the Presidential Award almost every term. My experience with most professors has been pretty good; with the exception of two.
However, my financial aid has been a disaster and I have been blocked from my classes...I was supposed to be done this June. Apparently they allowed me to apply for more classes than was I supposed to be able to (a glitch was what they called it). I have also received an email stating I was being dropped because I have only had a 37% attendance rate since I started in 2006...but I did not even start there until 2008!! No one seems to know where this letter came from and I have been switched to 3 different financial aid officers since I started there a year and a half ago.
Now I received information telling me I have been dropped due to attendance this term BUT THEY ARE THE ONES WHO BLOCKED ME! I also received a notice I need to complete an exit counseling session, but when I try to log in it wants me fill out an entrance session because I had to re-apply for aid to try to straighten out this mess. I have not heard from my academic advisor other than she knows nothing about the financial aid stuff, and my financial aid advisor has given me no guidance in over three weeks (other than to complete the exit interview that it won't allow me to do).
It is too bad there is little consistency and communication between departments...nobody knows what anybody else is doing...AND most of them have not heard of each other even within departments. I have spent a GREAT deal of time on hold while they try to track down who I am trying to reach (even when I am returning phone calls and given exact names and numbers where I can reach them.
Now my summer is going to be messed up because I will have to take classes that should have already been done with and I should have been graduated. FRUSTRATING!! I am glad I came across this site so I could see I am not the only one with issues. Good luck to the rest of you!
Even with the financial woes though, the academic part has been very interesting and I have learned a great deal through most of my classes.
BEWARE!!!!
School not recommended by
Tracy Dunn
on
March 02, 2010
Review not yet rated
I started at Kaplan in June of 2008 and boy was it great. I cruised through a year with absolutely no problems. All of a sudden I started experiencing issues with my financial aid....I read some of what other people have written and it is all TRUE! You get stuck on hold for long periods of time, they never call you back or respond when you leave a message.
I managed to finish my degree with a 3.78 GPA, but it could have been higher if the last few professors I had were more helpful. When I called to complain about things, they just kept telling me that I was making good grades....That is well and good, but with a little explanation I could have finished the degree with a 4.0. I had to retake one class and when I retook the class had been totally revamped, I complained because they charged me the full tuition even though I had the book. The second go around was nowhere near the amount of work as the 1st.
BEWARE!!! BEWARE!!! BEWARE!!!
Kaplan is Excellent!!
School recommended by
Latishia
on
February 17, 2010
1/2 people found this review helpful
I love this school!! Everyone helps out including the classmates!! Kaplan made my first experience in college a wonderful one. I'm currently still enrolled there and I have a 4.00 GPA and I made the President's List!! There are issues at time with the financial aid dept. but nothing that can't be solved. If you ask the questions, they will answer. I recommend this school to anyone who wants to better their education. Thanks Kaplan for everything!!! :0)
Not all that bad
School recommended by
JS
on
February 16, 2010
4/5 people found this review helpful
I have been attending Kaplan for the past couple of years (I took two 2-month breaks) and for the most part they aren't that bad. No, I do not work for them. I am a student just like you who has had to receive funding through grants and student loans. The only issues that I have with them is that they fail to properly explain your financial aid with you UNLESS YOU CALL THEM TO GET FURTHER EXPLANATION. They emailed me to let me know that I had to make a payment because my funding was short about $1800. I looked at all of my Financial Statements and Financial Aid Summary and went over it with them BEFORE making a payment. They just need to have better communication with the students who seem to be confused about why they need to pay out of pocket. Oh, and beware if you have to get private loans. Kaplan is about to FORCE students to use their private bank to receive funding and the private loan interest rate starts at 15%.
This school is worthless
School not recommended by
Brian
on
February 12, 2010
15/16 people found this review helpful
As I write this I am trying to get in touch with my financial aid adviser. I have now been on hold for more than 30 minutes....
Kaplan is a horrible place to get a degree. I finished my degree up 1 month ago and I still haven't heard from anyone except the student account department in regards to the money I owe them ($2,200). I also just found out that my loans from back in November somehow didn't post and now I am $5,400 in the whole. When I am asked why haven't I spoken to my financial aid adviser I have to respond with, "I have had 15 financial aid advisers in the last 16 months, none of which answer my calls or emails." Also, thanks the the stream of adviser I have gone through my pell grants were completely messed up and I ended up receiving nothing, that is what I am out of pocket. Unreal I know.
When I first started Kaplan I was told the advisers are fantastic and I would never have a problem getting in touch with them, what a horrible lie that is. not only are the finance advisers horrible but the student aids are just as bad.
Not only are the advisers horrible but the classes are a joke. I only opened 2 books the entire time I was there and graduated in less than a year and a half. Can anyone say diploma mill???
I have finally gotten through to the financial aid dpt but of course my adviser is not available, who would have thought. I am now being transferred for the 3rd time.
I spoke to a person that seemed to know what was wrong with my student loans but when he said he was going to get a manager to help him look over the problem I was transferred to a new adviser, imagine that. After speaking with the new rep for less than 3 minutes and being told to call back in on Monday to see if my loans had posted, the call was dropped.
This is the reason no one should go to Kaplan. This place is a sham. I will be going to a new university in Florida because, hell, it cant be any worse. Hope this helps.
Excuses,Excuses, Excuese
School not recommended by
Traci
on
February 09, 2010
6/8 people found this review helpful
This school has a list of what they offer to the high school students. It doesn't happen. They constantly switch the kids classes. The Prinicple does NOT do her job. She allows teachers to say students have been dishonest and send out letters without first having a conferance with the student, parent, and teacher per policy. When trying to talk to the principle she gets very rude, upset, and refuses to listen. Her people skills are at a negative. She has to always be right. The teachers are allowed to speak to parents anyway they want if you don't do exactly what the teacher want you to do. Overall for this kind of education I could have kept my child in public school. I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone at this point.
They lie and they don't respond. All they care about is MONEY!
School not recommended by
CGS
on
January 31, 2010
19/21 people found this review helpful
I signed up for the convenience of online classes due to the fact that I have a family and work a non-traditional schedule which will not allow me to attend a local school. I was 2 years into my degree program (Bachelor of Science in Software Development) when I requested a simple leave of absence for one term so I could deal with a serious health issue. Prior to this, I had been laid off for 6 months and had just gotten a new job. Needless to say, I was making significantly less money than I was at my old job. Luckily, my new employer worked with me and I kept my job.
Kaplan, however, seemed to lose my e-mail requesting the leave of absence. My "academic advisor" (who never really advised me) sent me an e-mail after the next term began. The e-mail stated "Your classes have started." I immediately replied and asked why he never replied to my request for a leave of absence. He claimed he never received such a request. After I retrieved the e-mail and sent it to his immediate supervisor, it was finally acknowledged that a mistake was made but it was too late to be approved for the leave of absence.
Since I needed to recover from my illness and concentrate on working again once I did, I was not able to put in the time and effort needed to be successful in the classes. I was automatically withdrawn since I hadn't logged into classes. I tried to re-enroll for the next term which started in early January. My registration fee was waived but I was also informed by my "academic advisor" that my degree program which I was 2 years into was being discontinued (an additional slap in the face to say the least). Once I tried to re-enroll, I was then informed that I owed a balance of $1185 and that I would not be allowed to re-enroll until it was paid in full.
Apparently with the tens of thousands of dollars in student loans I had racked up over 2 years, Kaplan still wanted more money. It became all too apparent at that point exactly why my requests went unanswered. They simply wanted to extract more money out of me. When I started asking the to-the-point questions and telling them what it appeared they were doing, I was accused of being "unprofessional" and I was actually threatened with being hung up on. All any of the "representatives I spoke with or e-mailed could say was "I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do." All they cared about was the money. When I said this, the "representatives" I spoke with and e-mailed got extremely defensive. They knew I was right and couldn't deal with it. What I don't understand is if I owed such a large balance, why did they let me continue to log into classes week after week and month after month? I couldn't get an answer to this question.
Now, I have approximately $30,000 in student loans that will be coming due in about 6 weeks and I can't afford to pay them. I'm also stuck without a degree. I would enroll in another college but they won't allow me to unless I give them an official transcript from Kaplan. Of course, Kaplan will not give me an official transcript until I pay them the balance they say I owe. I'm screwed!. I say that for lack of a better term. I will try to keep my loans in deferrment as long as I can but without a substantial increase in income (which the degree should have allowed me to obtain) I won't be able to pay them back. Save yourself the trouble I brought on myself - STAY AWAY FROM KAPLAN!
Do Not Go To This School!
School not recommended by
gina
on
January 29, 2010
26/26 people found this review helpful
I have been to AIT, Liberty and received a certificate. I pursued kaplan and I honestly have never been to a more unprofessional school. The left foot doesn't know what the right foot is doing. They scam you out of money, give you the run around, are rude, incompetent and are manipulative, rude and dishonest. Everything seems cheery when you enroll until you get hit with their schemes. Please do not go through what I went through, save your time and money. This is not a complaint but an actual experience that I must tell others about.
Financial Aid Nightmare
School not recommended by
KRISTI LOPEZ
on
January 28, 2010
24/24 people found this review helpful
Read about my experience first, and if you decide to enroll, my best advise is for you to watch your ledger card very carefully! After earning my Associate's degree, I decided to return to school to finish my Bachelor's degree. I decided to go to Kaplan for two reasons: I received an ad promising to give me $1,000 and waive the technology fees, and my employer has a partnership that provides a 12.5% discount off of tuition. With an anticipated bill of $30,000, the 12.5% discount made a big difference, especially since books are included. I am now close to graduation, and the past two years have been a constant battle with Kaplan's Financial Aid office. There have been many problems, but the two that have been the worst have been the incorrect billing and fight over the promised $1,000 tuition credit. For the first year, Kaplan tried to send me to collections after every term (every 10 weeks). Turns out they submitted my federal loan information as a "freshman", which meant I received less money, and they never applied the 12.5% discount. After repeated calls and emails, I finally filed a BBB complaint. Kaplan promptly applied the 12.5% tuition discount and promised that in my final term they would credit the $1,000 in response to this complaint. You would think that after the BBB complaint, they would bill me correctly, but every term I have to call and email repeatedly to get my tuition rate corrected to reflect the 12.5% discount. If I wouldn't have checked so diligently, I would have paid thousands of dollars in excess tuition. This isn't just an inconvenience - calls to Financial Aid get routed all over the place, people hang up on you, and when you do get to someone they tell you it will be fixed and then don't fix it. I tried emailing my Financial Aid officer, but most of the time he never responded and nobody will tell you who the FA Manager is. When I was finally able to get this person's name, even that got me no response. I found the Assistant Director, and those emails also often go unanswered. Also, I was awarded a "Success Scholarship" which was to be paid $400 each term, up to a maximum of $3,000. This too was never applied and I had to call each term to get it corrected. In March of 2009, it wasn't applied, and when I inquired I was given so many different responses. First, I was told that I never applied for the Scholarship and so wasn't entitled to it. This, after it has already been applied in multiple terms. Then, I was told that my grades were bad, but I never got below a 3.8 in any term (you had to maintain a 2.5 or something ridiculously low). Then I was told that it was fixed, but it wasn't. Then I was told that it was because they had already paid out the max of $3,000. When I added up the amounts on my ledger card, it added up to $2400. When I questioned this, it was finally applied. I am still fighting for the $1,000 credit. I am in my last term, but Kaplan now says that they won't apply it until I complete my degree program (which is not what the BBB complaint response said). The Assistant Director of FA promised a response yesterday afternoon, but I still haven't heard from her. Kaplan markets itself as a school for busy professionals, but you can't talk to anyone except during the day when most busy professionals are working. So - if you are considering Kaplan University - watch your ledger card carefully. I haven't had a single term where I was billed correctly. Prepare for a frustrating battle if you have to talk to Financial Aid. And be prepared to only talk to people during "normal business hours". Great if you don't have a job, not so great if you do. I plan to post all of the email correspondence between me and the Financial Aid office as soon as I can figure out this blog thing. I've never blogged before, but since Kaplan won't pay attention when students ask for help - and all I am asking for is to be billed correctly - maybe I can help other students make informed decisions about their education and avoid overpaying college tuition - don't trust that the university is going to bill you correctly and/or fairly, nor that they will deliver on their promises (even when you have them in writing).
DO NOT ATTEND KAPLAN
School not recommended by
Megan Mabry
on
January 13, 2010
24/25 people found this review helpful
The professors are great and I made the president's list when I attended Kaplan. With that said, credits do not transfer to most university systems. Also, as a legal studies student, Kaplan is useless because they are NOT approved by the American Bar Association. The worst thing about the school is that they are crooks. They have tried to send me bills for terms that I never attended. I would not recommend this school to anyone. Instead, research your local colleges and see who offers online classes. Save your time, money, and sanity. Do NOT give Kaplan any of your attention.
Customer Service Nightmare
School not recommended by
KD
on
December 20, 2009
33/36 people found this review helpful
It is very easy to sign up for Kaplan. They treat you like royalty. Afterwards, you will never be able to contact them again. Hold times are infinite - they never pick up the phone. You can leave a message or email for them, and they will NEVER call or email back. My account was perpetually messed up, but my counselor was impossible to contact.
You get what you put in to anything
School recommended by
Judy
on
December 09, 2009
22/31 people found this review helpful
I graduated from Kaplan and will always treasure this time in my life. I am a older student and the instructors were always willing to help. Don't put down the school if you either couldn't make it or you are just playing. Thank you, instructors at Kaplan. I will always remember your caring and Knowles.
Don't Go For Kaplan
School not recommended by
A Kaplan Student
on
December 08, 2009
25/32 people found this review helpful
BEWARE! This is not a "work at your own convince" school. It says it is, but it is not. You can never get in touch with them. They do not respond to emails or phone calls. Only when you enroll will they be quick to answer. Nobody know whats going on any of the time. Teachers take off points when things are not completed how they want, even though the school promotes "at your own time." And prices are the highest around! If you are looking for a low paying school NOT THIS ONE! They will lie to you, take advantage of you, and get you to sign things you do not understand! They change paper work too! Yes, you read right!
Kaplan Rocks!
School recommended by
Donna Yohman
on
October 08, 2009
31/36 people found this review helpful
I completed both my undergrad and graduate degree in criminal justice from Kaplan University. I could not be any happier with my experience there.
My classes were very well interesting and challenging. At some points I felt that the work was a little harder than it actually was, but when speaking to my instructors, they would point me in the right direction. The instructors were all professionals in the criminal justice field and very knowledgable. They added their veiws and expertise to the topics being studied.
I went to school while working full time. I also was put on bed rest during my pregnancy & was very worried about getting behind as I was not always able to do my work. My proffesors were wonderful and worked with my through my difficult time.
In January, I will be walking in my graduation ceromony. I am proud to say that I finished my Masters Degree in Criminal Justice with a 4.0. I am the first in my family to graduate college and can not be any more proud of my accomplishments.
Kaplan Made Going To School Fun!
School recommended by
Pamala Ott
on
October 02, 2009
25/32 people found this review helpful
Kaplan allows a student to mold school around their personality and needs. You can take many courses or just one, do them in the morning or at night, and you don't have to rush around doing homework all the time. They have a great support staff as well.
The Right Choice
School recommended by
Angela Ward
on
September 30, 2009
21/26 people found this review helpful
Kaplan University is the right choice for you if you are looking for a low workload and great professors. I am in the BS Psychology program, and I love every minute of it, especially being able to go to school from the comfort of my home and still being able to save money and spend time with my family, as my husband is a US Soldier and is deployed frequetlyexalted Th.
Definitely worth it
School recommended by
Jennifer Pierce
on
September 29, 2009
22/30 people found this review helpful
I love Kaplan University. I have wanted to go back to college my whole life, and finally, I have. I've made my dreams come true with the help of the admissions, teachers, and of course, myself. Thanks Kaplan for making a difference.
Trying to become a lawyer
School recommended by
unknown
on
September 02, 2009
28/31 people found this review helpful
Before attending any school do intense research it is a financial investment. Upon doing my research I found out that you do not have to take paralegal studies to become a lawyer. you can have studies in any field aslong as it's a B.S.(nursing,political science,business etc.) However if you plan on taking the bar exam you must have attended a school recognized by the ABA American Bar Association the website is abanet.org. Also if you are attending kaplan in order to transfer to concord law unfortunately concord is not recognized by the ABA there is a list of schools on the site. You can find out the requirements for the bar exam in your state via the website but most states will not recognize distance learning(meaning online learning)Reviews are meant to be informative so please do your research so that you can make a informed decision i'm glad I did and because of this I will not be attending kaplan. I have read the reviews and compiled the data and even the reviews that was positive still had a common thread with the negative ones and it was that the financial aid dept needs major improvement and that alone makes me not want to attend. It's like depositing your money in the bank but every time you do it's not credited to your acct. you wouldn't use that bank would you ?
Need to be aware of what your getting
School recommended by
Phelps
on
July 08, 2009
56/59 people found this review helpful
When i firdst enrolled, I was very skeptical about the online learning value; both personally and professionally. 10 years ago, the online higher education was a joke, now, it's more widely accepted.
I've been at Kaplan for 5 terms and have had very little problems with the online environment: I find that the instructors are hightly knowledgable (and many are seeking masters and PHd's via online), the virtual class room is laid out well, communication via technology is improving - vastly, The classes are very challenging.
The only thing I would recommend is that you have a background in your chosen field before entering(i.e - your an IT professional seeking a degree) and you watch your fincial Aid and out of pocket expenses very closely - keep your paperwork and written communication's filed. If you make an extra payments, chances are Kaplan will not track it properly and you will be bombarded with calls demanading payment.
Very satisified acedemically ... concerned about the accounting practices
Former Student
School recommended by
Informative
on
June 17, 2009
31/39 people found this review helpful
Kaplan doesn't sell information to other online schools to solicit you. That would make no sense. The person you talked to was probably short and didn't go into to detail but when you request info about going to school on a website other than that school's site, multiple schools are then likely to receive your request. The person you talked to probably assumed this and made that statement as a courtesy since you stated that they had the wrong person. My advice would be to stay in school and understand miscommunication occurs at times everywhere. You should concern yourself with assuring the program you are in will satisfy the requirements for achieving your goals.
A.A.S. Paralegal Studies
School recommended by
K.Bonner
on
April 26, 2009
39/43 people found this review helpful
I am a current student at Kaplan and I have had a great experience. I will admit that the initial contact with the admissions department was "trying" but after enrollment and getting assigned an awesome Academic Adviser, things have been great. My professors all have years of experience, the work in the school of legal studies is quite rigorous and the live seminars are audio, so it is as if you are sitting in class. I have never had any issues with my student account, but I do stay on top of my finances. I think those having bad experiences are the ones who don't actively take part in every aspect of their education. You have to do the work, follow up, etc...if not, things go by the wayside.
Terrible
School not recommended by
Joseph G.
on
April 08, 2009
48/74 people found this review helpful
Kaplan University does not care about its students. Just money. I understand that they are a business and have to make money. However, if dealing with bill collectors is your favorite thing to do then go with Kaplan. They honestly make you feel like you are talking to a bill collector.
They Sell Your Information!!!
School not recommended by
Sam Sierra
on
March 29, 2009
41/64 people found this review helpful
I first contacted Kaplan University because I wanted to earn my MBA online due to my work schedule, etc. They called and called - even after I'd answered and spoken with them! - wanting to give me information on their school.
After I began my first semester of classes (just recently), they STILL CALLED ME WANTING TO GIVE ME INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR DEGREE PROGRAMS AND SCHOOL!!! I finally told them that the number they were calling was not who they thought it was. The man said that I would be taken off THEIR list, but he couldn't guarantee that I would be taken off the list of the other schools who now had my number. WHAT?
It seems they sold my information to other online schools. At least he was open about it! HA! I honestly can't decide whether or not to sign up for another semester with a school that treats its students' information like marketing tools, and a way to conduct business with other online schools. What a crock.
