JustMastersDegrees.com

Have many people had problems with distance learning colleges?

A friend of mine enrolled with a distance leaning provider realised on wrong course (no guidance at start) requested to change course (2 months after enrollment course not started but agreed to) recieved in response a letter threatening to take her to a debt collecting agency..It also said she could change course but will still be liable for total £1300 regardless of the new course cost (mostly £300).she is not in default on the course fees. Is this a common problem?

Public Comments

1. I am currently doing a higher certificate in financial management and it can be a problem, with most distant learning colleges you pay in advance and therefore you have to be sure of what you choose, cause they will not easily part with any money you've paid over already and the other thing they don't inform you about at the time of enrolment is that you going to pay loads more during the time you study, pay for exams, pay for this pay for that. If it wasn't a quarter cheaper than any uni i would love to change. I don't think it is the best way to study either
2. I think it would depend on the university you want to get your education from. I used University of Phoenix and, like all schools, there were a couple of hiccups. The end result was that they were very accommodating and tried their best to make sure that I was happy with my classes. I've done distance learning with one other university and had no issues there either, hence my reasoning that it musts be particular organizations who are either inexperienced or simply lacking customer service.
3. Yes it is a common problem as a search through this site will reveal. These are money making operations in a poorly-regulated industry. Caveat Emptor.
4. My guess is that the course is provided outside the usual university/college institutions. My only experience is second hand, and it indicates that they are rather rigid and are primarily businesses, with training as a secondary aim. Once they have the money they are going to keep it if they can. The training you get is not quality controlled in the same way as universities and colleges - which makes it more of a lottery. As Sonnell wrote - there may also be additional charges. Your friend may need to look at the contract to see what the terms are. She may also need to seek legal advice if the company is being unreasonable, or if she thinks the terms are problematic. Given the money she has passed over, the costs of a solicitor may be much less than the fees paid.