News
For-Profit College Closes Operations, Surprising Students | Associated Press
One of the nation's largest for-profit college chains announced Wednesday that it was abruptly closing in dozens of locations nationwide, after its accrediting agency suspended approval. Birmingham, Alabama-based Education Corp. of America said it was closing schools operating as Virginia College, Brightwood College, Brightwood Career Institute, Ecotech Institute and Golf Academy of America in more than 70 locations in 21 states.
Student Loans Watchdog Who Quit Under Trump Plans Own Initiative | The Guardian
A former federal student loan watchdog who loudly quit his job this year has announced a new initiative to help solve the $1.5tn student debt crisis. Seth Frotman, the former student loan ombudsman at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, will lead the Student Borrower Protection Center, which also will employ several of Frotman’s former colleagues at the federal bureau.
Court Eliminates Debt of Former ITT Tech Students | Inside Higher Ed
A federal judge approved a settlement Wednesday that erases more than $500 million in student debt held by former ITT Technical Institute students. The settlement also returns $3 million that was paid by students since the company filed for bankruptcy in 2016.
ITT Tech Students Score Victory in Bankruptcy Settlement | Washington Post
As creditors of ITT Educational Services fight over the remaining assets of the defunct for-profit college operator, one group has secured a significant victory in the bankruptcy proceedings: former students. On Wednesday, a federal judge gave final approval to a settlement that will erase nearly $600 million that 750,000 students owed ITT Technical Institute. The agreement, which was first announced in January, will also refund $3 million that students paid the for-profit chain.
Borrowers Face Hazy Path as Program to Forgive Student Loans Stalls Under Betsy DeVos | New York Times
The students attended institutions with pragmatic names like the Minnesota School of Business and others whose branding evoked ivy-draped buildings and leafy quads, like Corinthian Colleges. Tens of thousands of them say they are alike in one respect: They were victims of fraud, left with useless degrees and crushing debts.
What Defrauded Student Loan Borrowers Need to Know | U.S. News & World Report
Defrauded student loan borrowers will see some relief, thanks to an Obama-era rule a federal judge ordered immediately implemented Tuesday. The 2016 borrower defense rule outlines a way for student borrowers to apply for loan forgiveness if they were defrauded or misled by their college.
Betsy DeVos Loses Major Battle Over Obama’s Student Loan Protections | Salon
Donald Trump's education secretary, Betsy DeVos, just lost a major court battle over consumer protections for Americans who take out student loans. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss decided against the request from a group representing for-profit colleges to end regulations that help defrauded students receive federal loan forgiveness and forbid colleges from requiring students to go to arbitration to resolve complaints instead of taking matters to court, according to Politico.
Student Vets Win Too as Court Unchains Obama Loan Protection | Stars and Stripes
Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of student veterans, despite having robust GI Bill education benefits, contend they were deceived into racking up federal loan debt through abusive practices of certain for-profit colleges. On Tuesday these students, along with thousands of non-veterans, gained an easier path to loan forgiveness from a federal court ruling in Washington, D.C.
Borrowers Win vs. Predators | Boston Herald
Student borrowers prevailed yesterday when a judge refused a request from Betsy DeVos and the Department of Education to block the borrower defense rule, which aims to protect borrowers from predatory colleges and universities.
Defrauded by a For-Profit College? A New Court Ruling May Help you Cancel Out Your Loan Debt | Market Place
At least one class of borrowers carrying the ever-growing burden of student debt could possibly find some relief coming by way of a court ruling made earlier this week. The ruling was tied to the fates of institutions like the for-profit ITT Tech, which went bankrupt in 2016 amid allegations of deceptive practices, leaving tens of thousands of students stranded with federal loans. They could get those discharged, but they first needed to know the option was available and then how to apply for it, said attorney Julie Murray.