TAMPA, Fla. — Students attending Argosy University are left scrambling after receiving an email saying their campus will likely be shutting down on Friday.
The big question for many: Where will they finish their degrees?
Toneice Evans was earning a doctorate in Education. She started at the university about two-and-a-half years ago.
"Frustrating, it's really frustrating, frustrating for everyone. Every stage that they're in — you have folks that just started, brand spanking new, they don't know what to do. You have folks like me, that are further along," Evans said.
Argosy University sent students an email saying, "...the Department of Education has made the decision to end Argosy University's participation in student federal financial assistance programs, commonly known as "Title IV" financial aid."
The news of the university's closure comes after months of financial struggles. Last month, U.S. Congressman Charlie Crist sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education asking them to take action against Argosy. The letter stated that financial money at the university essentially "disappeared." It has been reported the university did not distribute financial aid money to students.
Students have been told they can try to transfer their credits, or continue their education at National Louis University based in Chicago. National Louis University has a Tampa campus about 15 minutes from Argosy University.
"This university that came in to speak to us claimed they're going to take everyone as they are," said Evans.
The Florida Department of Education said this when asked about the closing:
"The Florida Department of Education has been working diligently to help the impacted students. In addition, there have been other local institutions onsite to speak with students regarding their options. The department’s priority is making sure students are given the resources necessary to succeed, and we will continue working with them to provide guidance and support."
Mark Dottore, receiver for Dream Center Education Holdings, sent us the following statement regarding the closure of Argosy University:
“We have been working day and night since the institution entered into receivership to find the best path forward for students at Argosy University, Tampa and are doing everything that we can.
If the campus is not acquired by another higher education institution, or another institution does not agree to teach out the programs, upon court approval, it will close on Friday, March 8, 2019. We are working to finalize an agreement with an education partner willing to assist students.
“We are working with students, accreditors, state regulators and the U.S. Department of Education to provide as many options as possible for students, to include transfer to another higher education institution or student loan discharge.”
