Published Jun 16, 2014
Strength
8 Posts
Hello,
I just applied to "The College Network" and I was wondering if anyone knew of anyone who attended and was successful or if anyone can tell me a little bit about the school. I haven't heard much about this online college but it sounds great. It's the LPN to BSN program that I signed up for but I haven't started everything yet. I'm still making my decision but I wanted some feed back if possible. Please help me decide, Thanks.
LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN
8,429 Posts
There are many threads on here about TCN...it's is NOT a college.
Please search this website and Google on reviews of TCN...again, it is NOT a college.
JustBeachyNurse, LPN
13,957 Posts
They are NOT a college. They are a publishing company. They have no authority to get you admitted to college nor can they officially advise you or grant a degree. There is a thread from a former employee.
Here's an enlightening thread to read:
https://allnurses.com/lpn-rn-nursing/beware-college-network-927338.html
elkpark
14,633 Posts
There are many threads here about TCN. Please take the time to find and review them. You'll find the majority of the posts are from people who feel they've had a bad experience. For whatever it's worth, v. few people ever post here saying they had a good experience and would recommend them to others. As already noted, they are not a school, they are a publishing company that sells you expensive study materials. Although the sales people (that's what they are, not "academic advisors" or anything like that) are apparently v. good at misleading people, please be aware that, if you sign up with them, you will be entering into a legally binding contract to purchase the entire set of study modules. You will not be paying "tuition" as you go, as if you were at a real school, you are purchasing something and agreeing to make payments, same as if you were buying a car or a washing machine. If you decide you don't need the modules, aren't satisfied with the quality of the materials, or your plans change for whatever reason and you aren't going to continue in the Excelsior or ISU program, you will still be obligated to pay for the entire set of study modules. You can't just stop paying because you don't want them to send any more modules. If you really want their study materials, you can usually find them, much cheaper, on eBay.
Also the "financing" is not a student loan. It is a private high interest loan from a credit union affiliated with TCN. You do not have the protections offered by federal student loans no interest rate adjustment, no deferment, no forbearance, no discharge for death , disability or working in certain areas of the country. Once the contract is signed and the 3 day termination clause is up, you are legally obligated to pay the loan with principle, interest and fees. If you do not they will take you to court and win a judgement.
Does it work for some? Yes. But those successful went in with eyes wide open and knew that TCN is a publishing company not a college or degree granting institution.
mommywifenurse29
24 Posts
I didn't know it wasn't a college and was fooled... I have about $2500 left on a school loan that I never used. Comes directly out of my bank account every month. Just read up on everything and if you want to cancel you have to do is ASAP or you are stuck just like me. My fault, I should have done my research. Never even used the college network. I graduated in May from ivy tech with my asn and will start my bsn in the fall from iupui.
Please beware.
You are still entitled to the test prep guides that you paid for, you should request TCN sends them to you en masse and perhaps resell on eBay?
Honestly I've just written them off. I don't even know who to contact to get the manuals and I would probably get all angry at myself again for making a stupid mistake.
A stupid expensive mistake at that.
andrea4_2005
25 Posts
I made the exact same mistake as well!! BIG WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME!! still paying such a bummer!