Updated on 7/12/2019
APPLYING FOR CLOSED SCHOOL LOAN DISCHARGE:
If you have a federal student loan and are unable to transfer your credits to a comparable program at another school, here is information on applying for closed school loan discharge:
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/announcements/closed-school#loan-discharge
Do I have the option for a closed school loan discharge?
Yes, you may be eligible for a 100-percent discharge of your Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program Loans, or Federal Perkins Loans under either of these circumstances:
• Your school closed while you were enrolled, and you didn’t complete your program because of the closure. If you were on an approved leave of absence, you’re considered to have been enrolled at the school.
• Your school closed within 120 days after you withdrew.
How do I apply for a closed school discharge?
To apply for loan forgiveness through a closed school discharge, you can either
• complete and return the closed school loan discharge application sent to you by your servicer, or complete a PDF closed school loan discharge application and return it to your loan servicer, or
• contact your loan servicer about the application process for getting your loan discharged (You can find out who your loan servicer is by logging in to “My Federal Student Aid”).
Get more details about the loan discharge process.
NOTE: All completed closed school loan discharge applications must be sent to your loan servicer.
TRANSCRIPTS:
It appears that Argosy University transcript requests are no longer being processed by mail-in form, but instead handled through Parchment.
Please see: https://www.parchment.com/dream-center-education-holdings/
DIPLOMAS, FINANCIAL REQUESTS, CATALOGS:
Information from Argosy University is posted at https://www.argosy.edu/closed-school-information.
The APA mentions that psychology students and graduates may want to consider banking their credentials.
You can learn more about it through the National Register of Health Service Psychologists (https://www.nationalregister.org/credentials-banking-argosy) or the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (https://www.asppb.net).
Information posted on 4/30/2019:
Chaminade Approved for PsyD Program Teachout
The American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA) approved teach-out proposals from five programs that were not previously AOA-accredited, including Chaminade University. It has been granted “accredited, inactive” status, to facilitate the completion of the program for Argosy University students enrolled in the APA-accredited Clinical Psy.D. program. New students interested in the program should understand that only the teach-out for former students is currently accredited. Chaminade still needs to obtain initial accreditation from the APA to offer the Clinical Psy.D. Program to new students outside of the teach-out.
For more details please see: https://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/newsletter/spring-actions-2019
Or read an electronic copy of the letter here: https://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/apa-coa-special-notice-of-actions-spring-2019/
Information posted on 4/26/2019:
Federal Receivership Termination
The federal court today ordered the termination of the receivership for Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH) effective May, 31, 2019.
For more details view an electronic copy of the order here: https://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/receivershiptermination/
Additional Teach-Out Option
Northern State University informed HPEAP that it is an authorized teach-out institution. It is also a SARA institution, which provides distance learning.
Students can inquire with the Northern State University, Office of Online and Continuing Education, at 605-626-2568 or 844-292-8261, or email [email protected].
Information posted on 4/8/2019:
Federal Student Aid Info
The U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office has archived one of the financial aid webinars for on-demand access at: https://www.kaltura.com/tiny/unrim
Argosy University related federal student loan questions can also be directed to:
email: [email protected]
online: StudentAid.gov/feedback
call: 1-844-651-0077 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time)
Information posted on 4/2/2019 (Updated 4/26/2019):
Hardship Help
Reposting information about social services that may be able to provide assistance to students affected by the Argosy University situation.
Department of Human Services (DHS): https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/
DHS application for assistance: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/BESSD-Application_June-2015.pdf
Depending on income and household size, renters renting their own place (not just a room) facing an eviction may qualify for assistance through the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) through the Kalihi-Palama Health Center. Call and leave a detailed message about your situation at 808-792-4518.
You may also try contacting:
Helping Hands Hawaii (808-440-3835)
Catholic Charities Hawaii (808-521-4357)
Salvation Army Family Services Office (808-841-5565)
The Institute for Human Services (808-447-2800)
Veteran students should call the toll-free GI Bill hotline at 888-442-4551.
Besides calling the GI Bill Hotline to find out about your options, Veterans Education Success is an organization that provides free legal services, advice, and counseling for the GI Bill. The website can be accessed here: https://vetsedsuccess.org/.
For students who attended schools that closed, there is information for getting your GI Bill benefits restored. The lawyers can help you figure out if you qualify and help with the paperwork. Information can be found here: https://vetsedsuccess.org/help-for-students/closed-school/.
Information posted on 3/18/2019:
Student and Visitor Exchange Program
Argosy University students who are in Active status may seek the following:
– Seek a change of status
– Enroll in another qualified program of study at an SEVP certified school
– Depart the United States
Non-immigrant students who have questions about their options should call the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400. This number is staffed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. The response center can assist with the facilitation of transfer to SEVP-certified schools where the students have accepted admission.
Please refer to the School Search page (https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search) to find schools certified by SEVP to enroll non-immigrant students. F-1 non-immigrant students must enroll in a full course of study at an SEVP-certified school in order to maintain their non-immigrant status.
Teach-out and Articulation Agreements (Updated 4/4/2019)
We will post electronic copies of known executed agreements in this section.
Before committing, students should do their own due diligence and fully understand the school’s terms, accreditation status, ensure that the program leads to proper professional licensure in the state, etc.
Teach Out Agreement – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Teach Out Agreement – Saybrook University
Articulation Agreement – Saybrook University
Articulation Agreement – Crown College
Information posted on 3/14/2019:
Live Webinars Scheduled for Argosy Assistance
Seven live webinars where U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid staff will be online to answer individual student loan questions in real-time have been announced. Students are encouraged to join as they will be able to message their questions privately during the webinar.
Officials took into consideration the state’s time difference and scheduled two to take place at 6 p.m. Hawaii time. Those two are on March 20 and 25. The others are from March 19-22 at times varying between 4 a.m. and 3 p.m. Hawaii time.
The flyer with the complete schedule, instructions, and link to join the webinars is here: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/dream-center-webinars.pdf
The U.S. Department of Education also sent out an email to Argosy students with the subject line, “Closure of Argosy University and Various Art Institutes” with more information. If you did not receive this email, please contact us and we will be happy to forward you a copy of the information provided in that email.
Information posted on 3/13/2019:
U.S. Department of Ed Latest Update
The U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office updated its closed school list to include Argosy University (https://StudentAid.gov/closures)
They also included a general fact sheet: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/dream-center.pdf
Argosy related updates and announcements will continue to be posted at: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/announcements/dream-center
Information posted on 3/12/2019:
More Transfer Information
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is compiling its own list of accredited programs that are accepting Argosy University transfer students.
Please see: https://www.cacrep.org/news/information-on-cacrep-accredited-programs-accepting-argosy-student-transfers/
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) will also update its website with transfer and teach out information.
Please see: https://www.wscuc.org/news/information-argosy-university-students
Information posted on 3/8/2019 (updated 3/18):
Transfer Information
While awaiting official information on possible teach outs, HPEAP is compiling possible transfer options for Argosy University students. Please note that this is NOT a definitive list. Students are encouraged to work together with their peers and make their own inquiries as there are also other institutions, including schools outside of Hawaii, not listed that may offer online courses through distance education.
The following schools have created dedicated transfer information websites for Argosy University students:
University of Hawaii System:
https://www.hawaii.edu/admissions/argosy-transfer-contacts/
Hawaii Pacific University:
https://www.hpu.edu/about-us/news-and-events/news/2019/03/hawaii-pacific-university-welcomes-argosy-transfers.html
https://www.hpu.edu/undergraduate-admissions/transfer/argosy.html
Chaminade University:
https://chaminade.edu/admissions/transfer-students/
Wayland Baptist University:
https://www.wbu.edu/campuses/hawaii/advising.htm
Transfer and teach-out information from the American Psychological Association (APA):
https://www.apa.org/apags/argosy-transfer-review
HPEAP forwarded a list of Argosy University degree programs and requested other Hawaii institutions to highlight similar offerings at their respective institutions. Please see the responses provided on this document (https://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/files/2019/03/Argosy-Possible-Transfer-Info-List.pdf).
Again, this is not a definitive list, and simply includes the information provided to HPEAP to date.
Information posted on 3/7/2019:
U.S. Department of Ed Update
The U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office provided updated information for Argosy University students on its website.
Please review the information at: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/announcements/dream-center#motion-for-closure
Also, an electronic copy of a student guide provided to students at the Argosy University transfer fair in Honolulu today is available here (https://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/files/2019/03/Argosy-Transfer-Fair-Guide.pdf).
Information posted on 3/6/2019:
Argosy University Announces Possible Closure on 3/8
Argosy University today announced that it may close on March 8, 2019. Students are asked to attend transfer fairs scheduled for Thursday, March 7, from noon to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Honolulu campus on 1001 Bishop Street, Suite 400. Representatives from other post-secondary institutions have been invited to speak with students with questions about the possibility of continuing their education elsewhere. Argosy University will also have a financial aid staff member available to address student loan questions. A representative from the U.S. Federal Student Aid may not be able to attend on short notice, but webinars are being planned for students. More information on that will be shared when available. An Argosy University informational fair is also being held at the American Samoa location, please double check with the local office for the time(s) and location. There is nothing scheduled for Maui or Hawaii island.
Argosy University stated that students will be provided a copy of their transcript free of charge either on campus or through the online student portal. It is not known how long the institution will process student transcript requests. HPEAP is working to ensure that it can accommodate student transcript requests after the school ceases to provide copies.
HPEAP will continue to provide updates as they become available. We are awaiting more detailed information from WASC Senior College and University Commission and the U.S. Department of Education about possible teach out partners for affected students.
Information posted on 3/4/2019:
Accrediting Commission Orders Weekly Reports
In a February 27, 2019, letter, Argosy University’s accrediting body, WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), informed the institution and receiver that the Commission acted to continue the Show Cause status and it intends to closely monitor the school’s financial position and administration of educational programs. In addition to demonstrating how the institution will be able to operate in the interim and explaining longer-term plans by March 8, WSCUC also ordered other weekly reports to begin on March 11. A few of the reports include federal student aid disbursements, progress toward change in ownership or partnership, personnel changes, student service response, and comprehensive teach out plans.
An electronic copy of the letter is available here (https://wascsenior.app.box.com/s/8k6mnz4ub05vlvp73w2uiozqstbgegld).
WSCUC will continue to update Argosy University information on its own website (https://www.wscuc.org/news/information-about-argosy-university).
Information posted on 2/27/2019:
Latest U.S. Department of Education Action Includes Cutting Financial Aid
The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) today issued a letter to the federal receiver and Argosy University’s owner Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH) that it denied the pending application for change in ownership and request to convert from a for-profit to a non-profit institution. The letter also informs the receiver and DCEH that Argosy University’s participation in federal student aid programs end on February 27, 2019. The institution has until March 11 to dispute the USDE’s findings.
While the school has previously stated that it continues to operate and support students as normal as possible under the circumstances, the latest action by USDE is a cause for concern for the future. Other for-profit institutions stripped of Title IV financial aid participation in the past closed soon after as they heavily relied upon enrollment and tuition from students taking out federal student loans.
Students attending Argosy University using federal financial aid should understand that with this latest action by the USDE they will need to seek financial aid from alternate sources moving forward unless the decision is reversed.
The USDE stated that it intends to have a federal student aid staff member on site at campuses in the event of a closure.
The USDE also stated that it held discussions with the institution’s accreditor, WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and other potential teach out partner institutions, although no details are available at this time.
The USDE updated their Federal Student Aid website again with information related to today’s action against Argosy University (https://StudentAid.gov/dreamcenter).
An electronic copy of the official letter sent to the receiver and DCEH is also available here (https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/argosy-cio-denial-redacted.pdf).
Information posted on 2/25/2019:
U.S. Department of Education Update
The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) has updated their Federal Student Aid website with information related to Argosy University (https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/announcements/dream-center).
USDE is requesting students owed a credit balance refund to contact them so that they can confirm information provided by Argosy University.
Federal Student Aid: 1-844-651-0077 or StudentAid.gov/feedback
Read the entire announcement at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/announcements/dream-center.
Information posted on 2/19/2019:
Federal Financial Aid Update
In the receiver’s status report related to the payment of student stipends filed in federal court today, there is no accountability over the unpaid funds owed to students.
Affected students should understand that it appears unlikely that those monies will be disbursed in the immediate future.
You can read an electronic copy of the status report here (https://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/files/2019/02/stipendreport.pdf).
HPEAP received reports that the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) denied the receiver’s request to receive more money, leaving Argosy University students with no clear answer to if they will ever receive their outstanding federal stipends. The USDE stated that it will discharge the federal loan amounts that are owed to affected students and resetting the Pell eligibility. HPEAP realizes that loan forgiveness does not address the situation for students that relied on the stipend to help cover living expenses, and so it is contacting local organizations that may be able to provide short-term assistance for more information.
Depending on income and household size, renters renting their own place (not just a room) facing an eviction may qualify for assistance through the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) through the Kalihi-Palama Health Center. Call and leave a detailed message about your situation at 808-792-4518.
HPEAP is also awaiting more information about possible assistance offered through:
Helping Hands Hawaii (808-440-3835)
Catholic Charities Hawaii (808-521-4357)
Salvation Army Family Services Office (808-841-5565)
The Institute for Human Services (808-447-2800)
Veteran Students at Argosy University
The regional U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs office informed us that veteran students should receive their housing stipends as long as Argosy University is open and holding classes, and the student is attending the classes. If the school were to close, the VA will advise the veteran students how to file for a hardship. Veteran students can call the GI Bill Hotline at 888-442-4551 for more information.
Members of Congress Call for Federal Investigation
U.S. Senator Richard Durbin and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro are calling on the U.S. Department of Education’s Acting Inspector General Sandra Bruce to investigate the millions in unpaid federal Title IV funds and the overall handling of the Dream Center Education Holdings affairs by the USDE. It is unclear if an investigation would provide any sort of immediate relief to affected students.
You can read a copy of the letter here (https://www.durbin.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Letter%20to%20OIG%202.15.19.pdf).
Information posted on 2/13/2019:
$9M in Missing Financial Aid Funds
A copy of a letter from the appointed receiver to the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) acknowledges an over $9 million disparity between nearly $13 mil. in federal student aid owed to Argosy University students and its current cash balance of less than $4 mil. The letter was attached to a filing in federal court in Ohio by the National Student Legal Defense Network, which is representing students of Dream Center Education Holdings schools. In his letter, the receiver requests more money from USDE to address the priority of disbursing the outstanding student stipends. The receiver also states in his letter that “he has a direct fiduciary responsibility to the Argosy students. In order to meet that responsibility, the Receiver is implementing a plan to support the needed managed services at a greatly reduced cost. We intend to have that plan in place by March 1st with the approval of the independent board of Argosy.”
To read the entire letter click here (https://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/1-19-cv-00145-dap-1/).
To read a copy of the court motion, which we understand the court denied, click here (https://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/files/2019/02/1-19-cv-00145-DAP.pdf).
Information posted on 2/12/2019:
Appointed Federal Receiver Contact Information
Students with individual questions about their financial situation may want to contact the receiver directly.
Contact information provided on their website (www.dottoreco.com) is (216) 771-0727 and [email protected].
Those interested can also read an electronic copy of the receivership court order at www.dottoreco.com/dream-center-education-holdings
Information posted on 2/8/2019:
Other DCEH School Closure Information
HPEAP heard reports of more mass layoffs across the Argosy University system yesterday. Students should prepare for the worst and are advised to obtain copies of their transcript as soon as possible. While Argosy University in Hawaii remains open, Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH) set up a website for students of its other schools that closed at www.dcedh.org/partner-institutions. The website includes information about institutions with Articulation Agreements with respective closed schools to help facilitate a transfer. Should Argosy University in Hawaii close, we would expect information to be updated for students on the website.
HPEAP also sent out an email to its provided list of current Hawaii Argosy University students on February 4, 2019. This email contained transfer information for the University of Hawaii System, Chaminade University and Hawaii Pacific University. If you would like this email resent to you, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]
Information posted on 2/7/2019:
Requesting Student Transcripts
Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH) notified HPEAP that there are no admissions staff employed at Argosy Hawaii at this time, however other staff on campus should be able to fulfill transcript requests locally. DCEH did note that transcript requests are typically handled by DCEH and requested through the online student portal. To request it this way students log into the portal and print and mail a form along with payment. Questions can be emailed to [email protected] or call 888-863-0324.
Information posted on 2/6/2019:
Student Loan Stipends
HPEAP is aware of the stipend issue that students are dealing with. We reached out to both the receiver and the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), reminding them that under federal rule the money should have been released to students within 14 days of Argosy University receiving disbursements from USDE. The USDE confirmed with HPEAP that they are working with the receiver to resolve the issue as soon as possible and emphasized that paying student stipends is the top priority.
Information posted on 1/25/2019:
The text below is a copy of an email Argosy University emailed to students on January 24, 2019.
Dear Student,
Argosy University (Argosy) is committed to providing you with a quality education
filled with the guidance, technology and instruction you need to make an impact in
the lives of others.
I want to make you aware that Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH), our parent
company, made the announcement that they entered into federal receivership on
Friday, January 18. As a result of our affiliation with DCEH, Argosy also entered into
receivership. Federal receivership means a legally appointed receiver acts as
custodian of DCEH’s business operations as we work out legacy leases, contracts,
and claims, including those from the university’s prior owner, Education Management
Corporation. The ultimate goal of receivership is to protect Argosy’s ongoing
operations and, most importantly, your student experience.
Because of the current inability of DCEH to meet its outstanding financial obligations,
our accrediting body (the WASC Senior College and University Commission) has
concluded that there is a reasonable basis to notify us of Show Cause. Show Cause
is a sanction that requires us to present evidence that we can demonstrate the
financial resources to assure our continuance. The very fact that receivership
protects Argosy University while this restructuring occurs will be helpful in assuring
them that we are in full compliance with the accreditation standards.
We are continuing to work with our accreditors, state regulators and the U.S.
Department of Education to provide favorable outcomes for our students. Importantly,
Argosy remains accredited by WASC during Show Cause. Your campus leadership
and faculty stand ready to assist you in your educational journey.
Sincerely,
Cynthia G. Baum, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Argosy University
HPEAP also received an FAQ about the Receivership of Argosy University. Click here to view it.
https://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/files/2019/01/FAQ-Receivership-Argosy.pdf
Information posted on 1/23/2019:
On January 19, 2019, Argosy University’s accreditor, WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), took action against the institution and issued an Order to Show Cause. This essentially means that Argosy University’s accreditation will be terminated within one year unless the institution can show cause as to why such action should not be taken. Note that if a school loses its accreditation, state authorization may also be revoked and in effect the institution is no longer allowed to operate in Hawaii. WSCUC, in its letter to Argosy University, explained that it took the action after recent developments which may adversely impact the institution’s financial stability. The developments include Argosy University entering receivership and also the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) placing the institution on Heightened Cash Monitoring 2 (HCM2). Under HCM2, the institution no longer receives advance payment for federal financial aid and instead needs to make disbursements to students from its own institutional funds, and then submit a request for reimbursement to the USDE for the funds. In the federal receivership, a legally-appointed receiver acts as custodian of the company’s assets or business operations as it works out legacy leases, contracts and claims, and restructures debt. The goal of receivership is to protect the institution and allow them to continue to operate.
A copy of the WSCUC show cause letter to Argosy University is available here. https://wascsenior.box.com/shared/static/m5fxd0cii9lzme6hlgvhiuu44u8rgu0j.pdf
While Argosy University has indicated to HPEAP that it is currently operating and supporting students as normal in Hawaii, no guarantees for the future are being made. Prospective and current students of Argosy University should be aware of the turmoil and HPEAP will continue to update this page as more official information is received. The hope is that Argosy University will be able to address all issues and continue operating normally, however, students may want to prepare for the worst and review the closed school guide available here.
https://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/files/2014/11/HPEAP-Closed-School-Guide-for-StudentsOct2015.pdf
HPEAP’s email: [email protected]