Complaints

This profile includes complaints for National University's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  National University

  9388 Lightwave Ave San Diego, CA 92123-1426

  
• 

  National University

  11255 N Torrey Pines Rd La Jolla, CA 92037-1011

  
• 

  National University

  7787 Alvarado Rd La Mesa, CA 91942-8243

  
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  National University

  2488 Historic Decatur Rd Ste 100 San Diego, CA 92106-6134

  
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  National University

  660 Bay Blvd Ste 110 Chula Vista, CA 91910-5200

  

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/06/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Student ID ********* Financial Aid for years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 **************** was quick to enroll me in courses. I received multiple phone calls from multiple people trying to enroll me in courses that started next week! I told them I would need financial aid in forms of *****s and loans to pay for school and they understood that. They enrolled me in classes so quick that my transcripts hadn't even been processed from my other schools. But I began taking classes and filled out my *****. Then I began getting e-mails from their ******************** asking for more and more proof of income, taxes, signatures on taxes, W-2's, etc for both school years. This communication went on for months. Then they said they had the wrong name and social security number and needed to correct it which would also take time. Then my 2021/2022 ***** was denied because the school took too long to process it. Now I'm in the same situation for this year. The school is sending threatening notices demanding payment and saying they will turn me over to collections if I don't pay up. But the ***** website says that I am entitled to a full ***** and the next step is to wait to be awarded by the school. That's the last update from the ***** website a few months ago. Every time I reach out to the school, it doesn't matter who I speak to, they seem to make excuses for system failures, or backups, or not knowing why something is taking this long, and they wish me luck and that's the end of it. They encourage me to keep in touch with the financial aid department at the school and keep taking classes and taking on more debt. This school doesn't seem to want to pay out the fiancial aid that the students are entitled to nor does it want to provide the students with any type of loans that the students are also entitled to. This school is running a scam and wants the students to pay out of pocket by any means necessary.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/14/2023

   

  The student started in 2021-2022 ***** year. Her ***** had conflicting information with her tax filing status. Because the ***** uses a 2-year prior **** (to avoid delaying a student's aid if they haven't filed yet, needed an amendment, etc)if

  the applicant's tax filing status is different on their taxes from their current marital status, the ***** will generate a comment code 367 indicating the issue needs to be corrected.  As of April of 2022, the student has a different marital, therefore

  the *****  requested to receive the 2019 tax information, where the student filed a joint return with someone who's tax info should no longer be considered on the *****, we must comply with federal regulations.

  The student was asked to provide a signed copy of their 2019 **** and the student's W2's. This way we can separate the income on the ***** to get an accurate financial picture of the student's need. 
  

   

  Sincerely,

   

  ***** Akerman 

   

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/09/2022

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Horribke experience after applying to their online program they are giving me a hard time after sending them my transcript refuse to admit me

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/15/2022

   

  Dear ****************,

  National University requires all transcripts from regionally accredited institutions to ensure that students are being granted all possible transfer credit. This is to ensure that students are not taking and paying for repeat courses if they have already completed a course. We ask for proof on non-attendance for regionally accredited institutions that appear in the National Student Clearinghouse review. Clearinghouse displays all institutions a student may have enrolled or taken courses at. We can only see the schools that were attended, but not specific course transfer information. We ask for proof of non-attendance, again to ensure we are giving all possible credit during transfer evaluation.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  *************************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/19/2022

  no one is getting back to me

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/15/2022

   

  
  The catalog states that students must submit all regionally accredited colleges and universities previously attended. Since a school was listed on the National Student Clearinghouse, that school has recorded some form of enrollment or attendance. If a transcript cannot be produced from the school, they will typically send a letter of non-attendance in its place.  **************** was provided with the form for our ****************** to request the letters of non-attendance on his behalf, but he has not move forward with completing the information. **************** can also submit a petition to CAS, which is a committee that reviews exceptions to academic policies.  He can request to waive the schools he states he did not attend that were listed on Clearinghouse report and describe the reasons a transcript or letter of non-attendance cannot be produced or provided. The options just mentioned can support **************** to move forward.  In addition, a member of senior management will be contacting **************** to schedule a phone meeting to clarify any questions he might have regarding this issue.   
  

   

  Sincerely,

   

  *************************

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/31/2022

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was enrolled in courses to complete my Autism Authorization so I could continue teaching in the public school systems. I completed 3 of the 4 classes needed for the Authorization. When I called the school to sign up for the 4th and last class, I was surprisingly told that the program was no longer available and that I had to find a new program. I paid between $1,000-$1500 in cash for each class and I believe that I should get my money back since they did not provide the full continuum of coursework needed (without any notification that I am aware of) and now I must start all over again at another school. I have attempted to communicate with National University via email on October 4th, 10th and 31st and I have not received any communication in regards to my inquiry. As of October 24, 2022, I have enrolled in the Autism Authorization Program at ************ and I will complete the 4 classes in 32 weeks (until June 30th, 2023). Also, because I cant be employed as a teacher w/o an autism authorization, I have to be a substitute teacher which has greatly reduced my pay and I now have no health benefits.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/03/2022

   

  National University is in contact with ************************ to discuss a possible solution to her concerns.  BBB will be informed, once a conclusion is reached. 

   

  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/12/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On October 3rd 2022, I started a Ph.D. ******* at Northcentral University. On October 7th. 2022, I called the university and left a voicemail stating that I wanted to withdrawal from my class. I called back on October 10th and was able to speak to a live person and I explained that I had called on the 7th and I wanted to make sure my class was dropped and I was told I will hear back by the end of the day. I had not heard back so later in the day I called again and spoke to a live person and explained that I wanted to drop my class and I was told the drop will be processed and I asked to be sent a confirmation that the class was dropped. I never received a confirmation. On October 12th the university called me and informed me that they did not get me voicemail I left on the 7th and to send them a copy of my call log showing I called the university on the 7th which I did. I received a call back on the 12th and I was told I needed to show more proof that I attempted to contact the university which I believe I did with the voicemail. I was told that the university had no record of my voicemail and my ************ are to continue with the class, which I am not able to do or pay the university the cost of the class which they said they could not provide the actual cost until they processed the drop and determined how much of the financial aide was returned. I feel I made numerous affords to drop the class and I dont feel I should be financially responsible for paying for the class.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/13/2022

  Hello ****,

   

  Thank you for reaching out and allowing us to review your account. It does appear that your class was dropped and that you received notification. We are sorry that you felt that it was such a difficult task. Please understand that there are many tasks that involve more than the student services to complete this task. We can confirm that this has been completed.

   

  Regards,

   

  The Office of the *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/05/2022

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have been a student at NCU for well over 10 years, working towards my Doctoral Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Criminal Justice, and up until about 2 years ago, everything was going well. I began to notice that I was basically working through my degree with little to no help from the instructors. These last two(2) years have been the most difficult in my many years of education. The teachers give little to no directions. Advisors are not trained properly to point you in the right direction. It is upsetting. These have been by far the hardest years in my life and I have been an online student prior to NCU. They promised so much and deliver very little..and it only took 100k of student loans and I’m still not done. This school is so quick to pull our money from lenders but so not willing to work with their students. And let’s talk dissertation….The dissertation portion of the doctorate program has been extremely difficult, constantly changing and the professors seem to be inadequately prepared. I am over $100,000.00 dollars in debt and have yet to receive my degree. I strongly feel that Northcentral intentionally keep students at their school as long as possible to maximize their profit and if I’m being honest, I believe they intentionally target Black/Brown people in this manner. I am 3 classes away from my Doctorate and was recently withdrawn from the school due to not meeting their requirements; however, during my most recent class I communicated with the professor during the entire course and she even made the edits on my assignment, which I followed precisely and she still failed me. And on top of that, I just received a Final Accounting Statement Email stating that I have a balance of $3296.00, which is absurd being that my schooling was being financed through student loans. I made an attempt to appeal my grade; however, because of them withdrawing me I was unable to see their response. Please help!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/14/2023

  
  

  Our official response is as follows:

   

  Due to FERPA restrictions the University is not permitted to disclose student information on a public site.  Ms. ******’s description of her experience at NCU differs from the documented information in our records

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/31/2022

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have been a student at National University for several years to obtain my teaching credential. I have finished the courses and am now an intern teacher. I have not been able to sign a contract because the credential manager for southern **********, *****************, will not submit my paperwork. I have been trying for months to get in contact with her but she ignores all phone calls and emails. Her coworkers have tried assisting me be they have not been able to get a reply out of her as well. Since I have not signed a contract I have not been getting paid while I am teaching and will likely lose my job if she does not submit my paperwork soon. I am looking into legal action to take against her and National if I have spent so much time and money to not receive my credential.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/01/2022

  Good morning,

   

  National University is currently working to resolve the concerns brought to our attention. We will provide an update to the student and BBB shortly.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/29/2022

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I received a $250 bill for a nursing course that was never taken. I did apply to their institution, was accepted, and had to back out to accept another program. At no time was I told there was any deposit or charge so I am still unaware as to what this charge is associated with. I have made several attempts to call and email with no response and waiting on hold for often times over an hour before the line disconnects on me. The notice is dated 8/17/22 which is the date I emailed that I reluctantly would not be perusing their program. I have a second notice dated 8/19/22 ( two days later) stating I am in default in that amount and being sent to collections. How after two days am I deemed in default for a charge I was never aware of. The original notice had not even had the time to arrive much less any appeal to the charges being made. There are no grounds or services for which this charge is being made. I would appreciate if someone contact me asap. I have perfect credit and will not tolerate being financially abused by an educational institution that is supposed to help people break the cycle of poverty not maliciously steal and push them into it.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/06/2022

  Dear Mr. ******, 

   

  National University reviewed Ms. Frey's concerns and reversed the fee mentioned in her complaint. Please be assured at no time this issue was sent to an outside collections agency. 

   

  Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions or concerns. 

   

  Sincerely,

   

  ***** *******

  Office of Student Affairs 

  National University

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/09/2022

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  *********************** my doctoral candidate advisor told me on June 14th that I would need to set up a payment method to continue courses. I went into the website portal to add the method it error out. I reported back to *** and he told me it was nothing he could do about contact tech support. For weeks I tried adding finally tech support told me *** would have to add he is the only one that can. Told *** this he then stated no I cant do that. On July 1st he emailed me and then told me that I need to take a leave or absence or I would be administratively withdrawn from the doctoral program. Now mind you Im half way through my dissertation. I told *** unfortunately thats not fair and its strange 3 weeks later you are saying this. I then contacted my chair *********************** and he wouldnt help. Ive contacted the office of the president they wouldnt do anything. So I processed to follow there grievance policy and escalate the issue. *** sent me email saying I use to be the director and you need do a leave of abscense. On July 1st the error stop happening and I was able upload my payment method. So I said *** payment method finally loaded been trying to start my next course since June 15th. Now mind you I also received a student code of conduct saying I made racial comments. I ask can escalate to the second level per the policy. The director *************************** supported *** in emails but then followed up with an email to *** asking what was the issue. After he stated that no error had happened from the advisor office. I had financial aid with an endorser for my first two courses this year my endorser passed away. For my first course it was suppose to be paid for *** stated. It didnt contact *** he said it will pay in your next course and it didnt. So I asked *** again in week 3 of my second course why havent it oaid he said you dont have aid you to redo financial aid. I immediately reported it and then at week 8 around first week in June *** says they will be paid

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/11/2022

  ******************,

   

  We have been made aware of the multiple emails sent to you by your AFA and the ****** of ********* We cannot discuss your situation on a public forum due to FERPA laws. Please follow NCU's policy and procedure for escalations. You may contact *************** for your complaint. 

   

  The Office of the *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/30/2022

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was attending a course that I got behind in and contacted the instructor twice before the drop deadline to ask if I needed to drop, or if I could make up what I had missed; I never received a response. I was worried about what would happen to my student accounts if I just dropped, so I missed the drop deadline while waiting to get in touch with student finance, and a W was posted on my transcript and I was told the course could therefore not be refunded and would not be covered by my financial aid.On 05/17/2022 I submitted the required forms to appeal the grade and refund the course, waited until 06/30/2022 for a reply, only to find the form was canceled due to a so-called 'lack of documentation.' ********** has no right to demand documents relating the actual reason why I needed to drop, but the screen shots of the emails I sent the instructor to ask if I *should* drop the class, or whether I could make up the missed material, should have been enough to demonstrate that I tried to get ahead of the problem and the shortcomings were on the university's side.The advisors who spoke to me about appealing the grade/tuition would not tell me what I might need to submit, and could not give me any information about what the reviewing committee might be looking for. This is clearly a self-serving policy for the school that leaves students without beneficial information for making their cases, and allows the school to underhandedly block students from recouping their tuition and fees.