School Closed
Dear American Student Assistance:
Is there anything I can do about my school closing after I graduated? I chose the school based on its reputation, lifetime job placement assistance, and the fact that they offered an after-graduation skills update program. I was never able to receive any of these things. Now I’d like to update some skills but I can’t even afford to take any extension courses.
Additionally, potential employers cannot even verify that I graduated or what kind of student I was. Meanwhile, I keep making payments on a consolidated loan which, due to interest, I owe hundreds more on than I did in 2000 when I graduated. It’s frustrating to say the least.
Thanks,
Lisa
Dear Lisa:
Your frustration is understandable! If you graduated from the school you would not be eligible for federal loan discharge due to school closure, which I’m guessing you are already aware.
As far as proof of graduation, contact the state education department in the state where the school was located—they will have all of the records from the institution, so you can at least prove that you have a degree.
If you are still not sure who might be holding the school’s records, you can contact the U.S. Department of Education at 800.433.3243.
Regards,
Your Rights and Responsibilities
When you sign a Master Promissory Note, you sign a contract -- one that states you will repay your student loans. Understand your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower.
