Ibrahim Gardner
Argosy University's sudden closure in 2019 left students scrambling to complete their degrees and transfer to new institutions. The for-profit university's loss of accreditation and financial difficulties had serious repercussions for its graduates and current students. However, the validity of degrees earned before Argosy lost accreditation remains intact, and graduates can still use their degrees for employment or further education. This guide will explore the impact of Argosy University's closure on its students and alumni, addressing concerns about degree validity, transfer options, and the future of Argosy graduates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Closure | 8 March 2019 |
| Reason for Closure | Financial issues |
| Accreditor | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) |
| Status of Degrees | Valid |
| Status of Transcripts | Available through Parchment |
| Status of Federal Student Loans | Eligible for discharge |
| Status of Private Loans | Contact loan servicer |
| Support for Students | Yes, from multiple universities |
What You'll Learn
Argosy University's closure and its effect on students
Argosy University's sudden closure left students scrambling to transfer their academic credits to other institutions. The for-profit college, with 22 campuses across the United States, shut down amid allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement. Argosy was found to have used $13 million of student loan money to cover payroll and other expenses, leading to the U.S. Department of Education cutting off federal student aid.
The closure deeply impacted the students, faculty, and staff across Argosy's campuses. Many students were left confused and distressed, unsure of how to complete their degrees and transfer their credits. Some were only months away from graduating, and now face the possibility of retaking courses at new institutions. The situation was described as "chaotic and emotional" by one student, Zayna Achmar, who was studying for a doctorate in clinical psychology at the Chicago branch.
Argosy's accreditor, WASC Senior College and University Commission, planned to provide a list of schools willing to accept Argosy students or absorb entire academic programs. A dozen schools initially indicated their willingness to help, including the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, and Liberty University. These universities offered incentives such as fee waivers and tuition discounts to Argosy students.
The American Psychological Association (APA) also stepped in to support the students and faculty affected by the closure. They urged the Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, to establish a real-time response center to address the concerns of Argosy students and provide timely updates and guidance. APA also provided resources and webinars to help students navigate the transfer process and protect their academic records and credentials.
The closure of Argosy University highlights the risks associated with for-profit colleges, which often market themselves as flexible and accessible. Students are advised to conduct thorough research before enrolling, paying attention to factors like accreditation and financial health, to minimize the chances of such disruptions to their education.
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Argosy University's accreditation status
Argosy University was a private for-profit university with campuses across the United States. It was owned by Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH), LLC and Education Management Corporation.
Argosy University was first accredited by the Higher Learning Commission in 1981, and then by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) in 2011. In 2018, the school was placed on ""show cause" status following its most recent review.
On January 19, 2019, WSCUC ordered Argosy University to demonstrate why its accreditation should not be withdrawn, due to serious concerns about its financial situation. A Show Cause proceeding was held on February 21, 2019, and another was scheduled for March 15, 2019. Argosy remained accredited by WSCUC during this period.
On February 27, 2019, the U.S. Department of Education terminated Argosy's participation in student financial aid programs, and Argosy campuses closed shortly after. On March 17, 2019, WSCUC officially withdrew Argosy's accreditation, except for limited conditions to facilitate the transfer of credit and program completion for students. Argosy's accreditation was extended until May 12, 2019, to allow for the issuance of degrees to students in their final term and to provide students with access to academic transcripts and services to facilitate transfer to other institutions.
The closure of Argosy University campuses left graduate and doctoral students scrambling to find ways to complete their education and obtain their degrees. Argosy had agreements with some institutions to accept transfers and maintained a list of universities on its website that would accept Argosy transfer students. However, transferring graduate credits can be challenging, as it often involves fewer credits than undergraduate degrees, and institutions may limit the number of transfer credits accepted to ensure the coherence of the program of study.
The American Psychological Association (APA), which accredited 10 psychology doctoral programs at Argosy, expressed deep concern about the impact of Argosy's closure on students, faculty, and staff. APA took several actions to support the Argosy community, including facilitating direct communication with elected officials, sending letters to the Education Secretary, and providing resources and information to assist students in navigating the transfer process and protecting their academic records.
While the validity of degrees earned from Argosy University may be questioned due to its accreditation status and closure, it is important to note that the impact may vary depending on the specific program and the transferring institution's recognition of Argosy's accreditation.
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The validity of degrees from unaccredited institutions
In many countries, accreditation is defined as a governmental designation. However, educational institutions may not be legally required to obtain independent accreditation, depending on the local laws. Degrees from unaccredited institutions may or may not be accepted by civil service or other employers. For example, in the United States, degrees from unaccredited institutions are often rejected within academic and government circles, but may be acceptable in certain business contexts.
It is important to note that students attending unaccredited institutions are typically not eligible for financial aid and may face difficulties in transferring credits to another school. Additionally, some careers may require specialized accreditation, and degrees from unaccredited institutions may not meet the necessary professional standards.
The closure of Argosy University, a for-profit college chain, left graduate and doctoral students scrambling to find ways to complete their education and obtain their degrees. Argosy's closure highlights the potential risks associated with attending an unaccredited institution. Students faced challenges in transferring to new institutions, as many universities do not accept graduate-level course credits earned at different schools.
To protect oneself from the potential risks associated with unaccredited institutions, it is essential to conduct thorough research before enrolling. Prospective students should verify the accreditation status of the institution and ensure that it is recognized by reputable authorities, such as the relevant government department of education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Additionally, reviewing student testimonials and assessing the school's reputation can provide valuable insights into the quality of the education provided.
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The transferability of Argosy University credits
Argosy University's closure has left many students scrambling to find ways to complete their education and get their degrees. The transferability of Argosy University credits depends on several factors and varies from student to student. Here are some key points to consider:
Argosy University's Credit Transfer Policies
Argosy University had specific policies regarding the transfer of credits. They evaluated transfer credits on a case-by-case basis and did not guarantee that credits earned at another institution would be accepted into their programs. Similarly, credits earned at Argosy might not be accepted by other educational institutions. Therefore, it was recommended that students confirm the transfer of credit policies of Argosy University and their intended transfer institution before executing any enrollment contracts.
Graduate and Doctoral Students
Graduate and doctoral students from Argosy University, especially those close to completing their programs, faced challenges when trying to transfer to other institutions. Many universities do not accept graduate-level course credits earned at different schools. Additionally, universities that do accept Argosy students may not transfer all their earned credits, which could result in retaking courses at the new institution.
Agreements with Other Institutions
Argosy University had agreements with some institutions to accept transfers and maintained a list of universities on its website that would accept Argosy transfer students. These included institutions like National Louis University, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chaminade University of Honolulu, and Hawaii Pacific University.
Transferring Credits from Argosy University
Credits earned at Argosy University may be transferable to another educational institution, but this is not guaranteed. The transferability depends on the policies and requirements of the receiving institution. It is essential for students to contact their desired transfer institutions to determine if their Argosy credits will be accepted.
Impact of Argosy's Closure on Credits and Transcripts
The closure of Argosy University created serious challenges for students, and Argosy's accreditation was withdrawn on March 17, 2019, except for limited conditions to facilitate the transfer of credit and program completion. Argosy's accreditation was extended until May 12, 2019, to allow students to receive their degrees and access academic transcripts, which are essential for transferring to other institutions.
In conclusion, the transferability of Argosy University credits varies depending on the student's specific situation and the policies of both Argosy University and the intended transfer institution. Students are advised to contact their desired transfer institutions and carefully review Argosy's credit transfer policies to understand their options and make informed decisions.
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Argosy University's financial situation and its impact on students
Argosy University was a private for-profit university with campuses across the United States. The university was owned by Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH), LLC, and Education Management Corporation (from 2001 to 2017).
In 2019, Argosy University campuses were placed under receivership, and their accreditation was at risk. The university failed to distribute millions of dollars in financial aid to its students, and instead used the money to cover payroll and other expenses. This was deemed a "grievous breach" of the university's responsibility by the U.S. Department of Education, which subsequently cut off federal funding to Argosy University, causing all campuses to close shortly thereafter.
The financial situation at Argosy University had a significant impact on its students. Many students were left without degrees and in financial difficulties, struggling to find new education options and complete their studies. Graduate and doctoral students, particularly those close to completing their programs, found it challenging to transfer to other institutions, as many universities do not accept graduate-level course credits earned at a different university. Some Argosy students also complained about receiving vague and insufficient information about their options from Argosy and potential transfer institutions.
In addition, Argosy teachers and staff reported not receiving their final paychecks following the campus closings.
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Frequently asked questions
Argosy University's closure has left its students scrambling for ways to complete their education and get their degrees. Argosy has agreements with some institutions to accept transfers and maintains a list of universities on its website. However, transferring graduate credits can be difficult, and many universities won't accept graduate-level course credits from a different institution.
If a degree has already been earned, the diploma and education are still valid and legitimate. It is possible that certain employers may need an explanation, especially if the university is no longer open. However, once a degree plan has been completed, a loss of accreditation does not affect the graduate's employment or career opportunities.
If grants, scholarships, or loans have been obtained throughout the life of a degree, some of these will still need to be repaid. Repayment depends on how the money was allocated and the source. If the federal government supplied the loans, these must be repaid as specified in the documentation supplied from the source.
A degree earned and a diploma received from Argosy University is a valid document showing coursework completed. A short explanation may be necessary for some employers, but the degree is still legitimate as long as it was received before the school lost accreditation.
