Caveat Emptor or Buyer Beware 11: Compare Schools Before Your Sign

Saturdays we share tips of cautions to facilitate getting scholarships or avoiding problems

Ned had worked in construction for 11 years when he hurt his back in an industrial accident. He enrolled in a for-profit proprietary school. He studied and received a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). He found the promised tutoring and support during the education less than he expected. The school provided no training or support in finding a job. He also discovered that no medical or assisted-living facility recognized the certificate or training offered by this school. 

Talk to the School Before You Sign

We encourage you to interview various administrators at the school before you sign an admissions document: admissions counselors, financial aid advisors, and placement office counselors. The following questions will help you gather the information you need:

• Does the school charge its fees the same as other schools charge?
• What types of financial aid does the school offer?
• What percent of financial aid comes from grants, scholarships, or loans?
• How does the school choose its instructors?
• Is the school appropriately accredited and licensed and by whom?

Talk to Students and Alumni Before You Sign

In addition, to interviewing school officials, you should talk to other students and alumni of the school:

• Did you have any problems with the school, curriculum instructors, or facilities?
• How knowledgeable are the professors in your chosen field?
• How helpful was the program?
• How well did it prepare you for your career and help you find a job?
• How successful were you in transferring to another school or getting a job?

Talk to Potential Employers Before You Sign

Discuss the school with potential employers before signing an admissions contract:

• What do you think of graduates from this school?
• Do you hire graduates from this program
• How many students from this school receive promotions after they are hired?

Be wary of any school that promises a degree or certificate in a short amount of time or that overstates future job prospects or earning potential.

Monday we review the Scholarship Page as a source of financial aid to pay for college