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15 American Colleges with the Worst Reputations

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College should be a transformative experience, but not all institutions live up to expectations. Our list spotlights 15 US colleges that have drawn heavy criticism. These schools struggle with everything—abysmal graduation rates, sky-high costs, and even bare-bones resources. While every student’s experience is unique, it’s vital to dig deep before committing to any school.

DeVry University

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Once a big name in for-profit education, DeVry’s reputation took a nosedive after a $100 million lawsuit settlement in 2016. The school’s misleading job placement claims left many students feeling duped. To make matters worse, some graduates report difficulties finding well-paying jobs in their fields. DeVry’s heavy reliance on online classes has been criticized for isolating many students.

Bennett College

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College’s struggles exemplify the precarious position of many small, historically Black institutions. In 2019, the school narrowly avoided losing accreditation through a fundraising campaign raising $9.5 million. However, Bennett’s challenges persist. Enrollment has dwindled from over 700 in 2010 to under 300 in recent years. The college has explored innovative solutions, including a potential shift to university status.

University of Phoenix

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In 2019, the school coughed up $191 million to settle charges of deceptive marketing. Meanwhile, alumni report a frustrating Catch-22: their credits often won’t transfer, but employers aren’t impressed by their Phoenix degrees either.  Also, the high tuition costs often lead to substantial student debt. Safe to say, this for-profit university has experienced significant enrollment decline.

ITT Technical Institute

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ITT Tech’s 2016 implosion sent shockwaves through the for-profit education world. When federal sanctions hit, the school didn’t just stumble—it collapsed entirely. Thousands of students were left in the lurch, holding worthless credits and mountains of debt. The school faced scrutiny over its recruitment practices and the value of its degrees.

Everest College

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Part of the now-defunct Corinthian Colleges, Everest faced accusations of fraud. The school allegedly falsified job placement rates and pushed predatory loans on unsuspecting students. So, many students were left with massive debt and worthless degrees when Corinthian agreed to shut down and sell its many locations in 2015. The fallout continues to affect former students.

Mississippi Valley State University

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The school has one of the lowest four-year graduation rates in the country, hovering around 11%. Financial constraints have led to limited program offerings and aging infrastructure. Some students report concerns about lacking modern amenities and career preparation resources. Despite these issues, the university provides higher education access in the Mississippi Delta region.

Westech College

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Westech abruptly closed in 2017, leaving students in the lurch. The school faced financial troubles and lost its accreditation. Its closure disrupted many students’ educational plans, with some facing difficulties transferring credits. This closure also leaves their recent graduates uncertain due to the dent the school’s current state may have on them as they compete in the job market.

Bacone College

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Founded in 1880 as a school for Native American students, Bacone nearly shut its doors in 2018 due to a $2 million debt. The college lost its accreditation in 2019, forcing it to operate under a state license. In spite of these challenges, Bacone has remained resilient. With an emphasis on Native American art, history, and culture, it has embraced its Indigenous roots.

Morris Brown College

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This historically Black college lost accreditation in 2002 due to financial mismanagement. Losing accreditation in 2002 was just the beginning of a two-decade struggle to stay afloat. While working to rebuild, Morris Brown faces ongoing challenges with resources and enrollment. The school’s plight highlights the precarious tightrope many small HBCUs walk in today’s educational world.

Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO)

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This college has faced persistent challenges, including low graduation rates, aging facilities, and limited resources due to long-standing funding issues. As a historically Black university, SUNO remains a vital institution for many in New Orleans. However, prospective students should be mindful of the challenges associated with attending a university that has faced persistent financial hardships and limited support.

Wright Career College

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Wright’s 2016 bankruptcy filing left a trail of devastation across multiple states. Students who bought into promises of bright futures found themselves holding a bag full of debt and incomplete degrees. The school’s alleged habit of inflating job placement numbers came back to haunt both Wright and its trusting students.

Eastern Gateway Community College

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EGCC’s “free college” program sounded too good to be true—and maybe it was. In 2022, the Department of Education restricted the school’s access to federal student aid programs, citing concerns over the program’s structure. EGCC’s accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, placed the college on probation to question its financial stability and academic quality.

Argosy University

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The 2019 collapse of Argosy University sent shockwaves through the for-profit education sector. Just weeks before the spring semester’s end, Argosy shuttered its doors, leaving 17,000 students stranded. In the aftermath, a court-appointed receiver discovered financial aid irregularities dating back years. Former students now grapple with loan discharge applications and the challenge of explaining their incomplete degrees to potential employers.

San Francisco Art Institute

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SFAI’s 2022 closure marked the end of a 151-year legacy in art education. Financial troubles had plagued the school for years, with a failed merger attempt with the University of San Francisco in 2020. SFAI’s demise raised questions about the sustainability of specialized art schools in an era of rising costs and shifting educational priorities.

Stratford University

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Years of dwindling enrollment and financial turmoil finally caught up with this institution. 2022 saw Stratford’s lights go out for good after losing its accreditation pulled like a rug from under students’ feet. Stratford’s demise is just the latest chapter in the ongoing saga of small, for-profit colleges dropping like flies.

Written by Castillo Rancon

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