Excelsior Scam?

Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Aug 17, 2004

I don't know if this is correct, but it sounds as though you went through one of those publishing companies that make themselves appear as though they are associated with Excelsior. I could be wrong, but this is the impression I got from reading your post.

Good luck to you.

opalmRN · Aug 17, 2004

I don't know if this is correct, but it sounds as though you went through one of those publishing companies that make themselves appear as though they are associated with Excelsior. I could be wrong, but this is the impression I got from reading your post.
Good luck to you.

rasberrikiss,

Is the $100/ x 48 mos due to a publishing company? I just spoke with EC last week and there was no mention of $4800 what so ever. I would really like to know if your costs are from EC because if they are I need to call and speak with them again as that is not a figure the admissions office spoke to me about.

Thanks Opalm

ddc101 · Aug 17, 2004

Since you are already paying why not take the exams? That is what I would do.

Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Aug 17, 2004

I'm currently in the process of the application/ enrollment and I haven't heard or seen anything regarding a lump sum other than the enrollment, CPNE, and graduation fees. Some of them you can also pay in installments.

It does make sense to just take them anyway. Can't hurt...

:balloons:

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Aug 17, 2004

I'm always amazed when someone purchases something, with every opportunity to investigate it, try it out, whatever, then decides after the fact that they don't like it after all and yells "scam" when they don't get a full refund. :angryfire:angryfire:angryfire

I've got over 20 years of higher education under my belt, and I've never seen a school with a more open, more fair policy than Excelsior's.

The school lets you take two nursing exams (i.e., complete two nursing courses), without even enrolling or paying for tuition! The tuition has gone up, I think, since I enrolled last September, but there is no limit on the number of courses you can complete for the one year's tuition and fees! If you work it right, it's a lot less expensive than traditional school, and in many cases, let's you have more of a life.

What a deal!!! What more could anyone ask? Payment plans (every traditional school has invited students who failed to pay--regardless of the reason--to leave class!!!). No uniform or book costs (I got all the info I needed from the free study guides and the internet, and made A's in all my exams.)

How unfortunate that the title of this thread is so misleading. Wouldn't it have been more honest to say, "I messed up, Excelsior College isn't for me?"

With interest rates as low as they are these days, and government-type student loans not having a prepayment penalty, you should be able to minimize your financial damage by giving the money back to the bank. Perhaps you could pay back what ever is left of your loan principal?

I sympathize with your disappointment, but it doesn't sound like you were scammed by Excelsior. It seems like you owe money to a bank that you agreed to pay back, and now would rather not.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Aug 17, 2004

The school lets you take two nursing exams (i.e., complete two nursing courses), without even enrolling or paying for tuition!
I sympathize with your disappointment, but it doesn't sound like you were scammed by Excelsior. It seems like you owe money to a bank that you agreed to pay back, and now would rather not.

Exactly- if you had looked at the Excelsior website, you would've realized that you could take the first 2 nursing exams without registering first. I think that's more than fair to help people determine if the program is for them or not. Excelsior does not give out student loans- banks do. What did you do with all of the loan money? Did you go ahead and buy the exams up front? If so, you can get some of your money back from EC to give to the loan people. I'd look into that.

rasberrikiss · Aug 17, 2004

Okay, i admit was a little upset and Shouldnt have posted excelsior scam. I was talked into going through a program called distamce learning systems of indiana With a co-worker. This DLSI I guess is like Rue.. they help you with study materials for excelsior exams. The co-worker and I were to do this program together, after I signed on the dotted ine, she backed out. I know I am responsible for signing and for my decision. I guess I am more angry at myself for not looking into this program more. The more I read, am thinking I should have just went directly through excelsior, but at the time I had no actual idea what excelsior was, and the DSLI people telling me I need them to get through excelsior. And you guys are right, I am going t attempt to take the classes, I am paying for it, and with all the helpful advice and stories on this board I am sure I can get through it. Thanks for all your replies! and sorry for any misunderstanding.

opalmRN · Aug 17, 2004

Okay, i admit was a little upset and Shouldnt have posted excelsior scam. And you guys are right, I am going t attempt to take the classes, I am paying for it, and with all the helpful advice and stories on this board I am sure I can get through it. Thanks for all your replies! and sorry for any misunderstanding.

I say good for you to consider what is in front of you and turn a less than ideal situation good.

There are many graduates and current EC students who frequent allnurses. I have found each and every one of them to be more help than I originally ask for and to me that is something I find rare.

If you post your concerns, questions, etc. you will be overwhelmed with helpful responses. EC students know what it's like to be self directed and are always willing to share whatever they can to assist other fellow students. I don't know your personal life circumstance or your age or educational level but for most adults this is the best program to suit lifestyles. For me it is an opportunity to finish my degree at my own pace and for most adults that is the most important feature.

I am truly sorry for your predicament but all is not lost. You seem to have realized that on your own now it's time to move forward.

I would like to welcome you to our group and while I am a newbie to EC, I will still offer any information I can to help you.

Good luck and Welcome Aboard! :)

ksmith1963 · Aug 17, 2004

Did you enroll in Excelsior College or a group that uses the excelsior name but is not affiliated with the college? (I have a freind who discovered she was not enrolled in the college - the courses were extremely difficult and the payment plan sounded like what you described.) Here's the web site for the college.

https://www.excelsior.edu/portal/page?_pageid=57,35974&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

The have payment plans that sound different from what you described.

Have you talked to the faculty or admissions department at the college?

You might want to ask someone for some legal advice about the contract you signed for the payments.

Good luck.

Kathleen

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Aug 17, 2004

I was talked into going through a program called distamce learning systems of indiana With a co-worker. This DLSI I guess is like Rue.. they help you with study materials for excelsior exams. The co-worker and I were to do this program together, after I signed on the dotted ine, she backed out. I know I am responsible for signing and for my decision. I guess I am more angry at myself for not looking into this program more. The more I read, am thinking I should have just went directly through excelsior, but at the time I had no actual idea what excelsior was, and the DSLI people telling me I need them to get through excelsior. (emphasis mine)

If this is true, it is fraud, and you have every right to get your money back.

These guys keep sending me letters telling me that it's almost too late for me to get my RN, suggesting that they are actually a school.

I have no loss and thus no grounds for complaint. You have a big loss, and you were defrauded.

1) Complain to DLS directly. Tell them firmly that you are going to complain to the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Indiana State Board of Education, as well as the Indiana Board of Nursing and Excelsior College in Albany, New York, and that's just for starters.

2) Write your letters to the above. Be specific, keep the details to a minimum. If you have letters and/or emails, copy and include them.

3) I will lay you odds you can get your money back.

I had a similar situation with Excel Advantage in Salt Lake City, but it was only for, like $250. They lied on their website, made it look like they were associated with Excelsior College. I bought one (1) nursing concepts prep course. I started looking through their stuff (you couldn't see it til you'd paid) and it was just garbage!!!! The site didn't work very well, the material was shabby--it's just garbage. That's the kindest thing I can say about it.

It took me about an hour on the phone with various and sundry of their people (and mind you, I kept my cool, but I was very direct about who I intended to complain to and why), and finally they said that I could go to PayPal and request a refund, and in turn Excel Adv would not oppose it. A few minutes later, they called and said, don't do that, we'll send you a refund, but our books are closed and we can't do it til tomorrow. A few minutes after that, I got an email from PayPal indicating I had received a refund in full.

It can be done. You just gotta stick up for yourself in the right direction.

Email me--we can talk in more detail. I think you've got a good chance.

rasberrikiss · Aug 17, 2004

Here is the web adress to the distance learning program for those interested...

dlsii.com

barbiedee · Aug 18, 2004

I too went through DLSI, but I did my homework first. I have pages and pages of emails with questions I sent to DLSI, and their replies. Joe, the person I communicated with, was very up front, informative, and knew his stuff, and fully explained everything. Unfortunately, he is no longer with DLSI. Even with his departure, all of my questions to DLSI have been answered to my satisfaction. Would I go through DLSI again? Probably not. There are much cheaper alternatives. Am I sorry I went through DLSI? No. I am guaranteed to pass these exams with their material (albeit, I would have to fail twice to get any further assistance.) For the most part, their material is very good. I did have some issues with their Microbiology guide, but the rest are pretty good. Its too bad you didn't explore a little more before signing on the dotted line. The only thing I can suggest is that you request all of the study guides you paid for, then try and re-sell them on ebay etc. You might just re-coup a bit off your money. They are YOUR study guides, as you have already paid for them....its worth a try.