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The FTC is sending a total of almost $50 million to nearly 147,500 students of the University of Phoenix. The money comes from the University’s 2019 settlement with the FTC, when the FTC charged the school with using deceptive ads to attract students. According to the FTC, the ads gave the false impression that the University worked with companies like AT&T, Yahoo!, and Microsoft to create job opportunities for students and to shape its programs for the jobs. (Just to be clear: the FTC says they didn’t.)

These payments are going to students who did not already get their debt cancelled by the University of Phoenix as part of the settlement. These students also meet these requirements:

  • They first enrolled in an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program at the University of Phoenix between October 15, 2012 and December 31, 2016;

  • They paid more than $5,000 to the University (using cash, student loans, military benefits, or a combination);

  • They did not object when the University of Phoenix sent them a notice asking if it could give their information to the FTC. Graduation cap. FTC sends refunds to University of Phoenix students. Dollar bill. $50 million in refunds. Profile of person 147,000+ students. Are you eligible? FTC.gov/UoP

The average payment is $337. Most students will get a check in the mail. It’ll come from the FTC’s refund administrator, Rust Consulting. The checks will expire after 90 days, on June 22, 2021. But about 700 students will get payment through PayPal. The FTC will send an email to people who will get PayPal payments before PayPal sends the payment. Those payments will be available for 30 days, until April 22, 2021. Learn more about University of Phoenix payments and the FTC refund program.

If you think you might be getting a payment, know this: the FTC will never ask you to pay or give sensitive information before it sends you a payment. Not your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number. If someone says they’re from the FTC, but they ask for money, that’s a scam. If you spot a scam, fraud or bad business practice, please tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

 

 

Post updated on March 29, 2021.

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Knight302
March 30, 2021

In reply to by FTC Staff

Mine was only $812. That’s just a little more than what I paid for 1 credit. I guess at least it is something. I don’t know how they calculated each amount but I read somewhere that you had to have at least paid over $5,000 out of pocket toward the tuition but zero if you used all federal student loans.
FTC Staff
March 30, 2021

In reply to by Knight302

The FTC sent payments to students who did not already get their debt cancelled by the University of Phoenix as part of the settlement and met three other requirements. The requirements are listed at the top of this blog.

UOP Fraud
July 23, 2021
I’ve been reading everyone comments. I wanted to add this if any wasn’t aware of the right we have Borrow Defense application on Student aid gov website. Part of the application process you can add what FTC has done to prove your case in getting your student loans forgiven. studentaid. gov/ borrower- defense/
mbrns81
March 25, 2021
What if I graduated in 2012? Would I be considered part of the people who should be receiving something or am I just stuck screwed with 75k in loans?
JoshJ
March 25, 2021
I was told I missed the debt cancellation by 1 month. This investment was such a joke and scam..
BT1980
March 25, 2021
So am I understanding this correctly? For $40,000 of debt I am getting around $337 dollars?
Nanntdi
March 25, 2021
Such a shame the FTC ignored those of us in earlier times. I was not only roped into a degree but additional classes for a second degree. $337 is an insult to those people. We spent tens of thousands of dollars and all we got was ridicule and debt. Our government lets us down again.
GDubInTexas
March 25, 2021
The average check is $337, yet we are stuck with $30K in debt that we still have to pay after being duped by UofP!!
Drchamp
March 25, 2021
What’s most frustrating is the students who qualified for student loans to pay for this education. The $141 million is only going to payoff the balance that is owed to the school not any of the student loans that we are paying.
lesbanks
March 25, 2021
Yeah I was enrolled in 2009 and remember those claims, why it shows 2012 is beyond me! I even got a phone call about it so I should be getting a check...
Numonyx
March 25, 2021
Wow a whopping $337 for a $30k loan... What a waste of time!
UOP 2012-2014
March 25, 2021
I almost got the internship with Microsoft, but my advisors would not give me a letter of recommendation considering my high GPA and good standing. This fits perfectly into the whole FTC lawsuit where they projected all these big companies' connections but when the time came they could not even give the letter of recommendation.
adm32769
March 26, 2021
If the university forgave an outstanding balance that you owed to the school, you will not receive a check. In my case UoP forgave $1,385. I’ll take that over $337 any day. God bless.
kimo
March 26, 2021
What about students, way back? I graduated in 2002, if they were lying currently, they were lying since their conception? Their degree has bought me lunch!
Oneweekoff
March 26, 2021
So enrolled October 8th 2012, graduated and get nothing? When the first report of this stated the start date as October 1st. Can I get some guidance? Seems to be as deceiving as the University.
818Man
March 26, 2021
Here's an idea: A) Have the loan companies payback interest rates back into the loan principal. B) Reduce interest rate to 1% or lower. These interest rates are what is killing people with these loans. I've read people that have paid minimum loan payments on time, yet the amount owed goes up. If these rates were under control we wouldn't be in this mess.
Doctoral
March 27, 2021
Is the reimbursement offered to students who were in the doctoral program? I don’t see doctorate degrees listed in the criteria.
Carol
March 27, 2021
I got my so called degree in 2007. I was not given the correct classes to enable to use the degree. I did apply for jobs in the Marketing field but didnt have this or that and this or that was never part of what you needed. I was pressured into taking out student loans telling me they would be paid in not time after graduation. Here I am today still paying $300.00 month. If the school have deceptive practices 2012-2019 what makes anyone think that was not standard operating procedure? No that same culture existed before then. I think there should be a wider investigation and more needs to be looked at and open up this to anyone.
UOP Student
March 27, 2021
so you saying, I would have needed to sign up for school on October 12, 2012 in order to qualify. I was just shy of this date was still in school under the Apollo Group and given the false lies of finding jobs with ATT etc. Does that mean anything or do I need to file my own claim?
Jmelea214
March 27, 2021
Why are some people getting a $337 check and others got their loans forgiven?
FTC Staff
March 30, 2021

In reply to by Jmelea214

The FTC setllment with University of Phoenix doesn't affect student borrowers' federal or private loans. 

As part of the settlement, the Universtiy cancelled approximately $141 million in debts some students owed directly to the University. 

Joy2Yah
March 27, 2021
Joy2Yah Yeah I Received only $ 157.00 Yesterday. Well what happen to the other 1/2 of $337.00 ? Why Do I still have a $10,000 Balance at FASFA? The Original Loan Was $15,000 So I paid a total of $5,000 off that loan off for receiving nothing. Where Is The Refund for the $5,000 I paid off. I am nearly 68 Years old that money came out of my Retirement Benefit & My Social Security. I want that the $5000 back as I received zero benefit from that bogus school!! Where Is my $5000 ??
MrRogers
March 28, 2021
I am truly confused on the amount... what is the formula being utilized to decide how we get reimbursed? And did anyone get ALL their loans paid back? And if this was truly a fraud why wasn’t the Department of Education involved with loan forgiveness opportunities or applications? Honestly this creates more questions than answers... I’m not sure that should be the intent or spirit of a punitive lawsuit. On one hand - thank you for going after UoPhx.... but on the other hand - did you really go after them? (Can we start a class action suit based off the FTC action?)
Marjorie11
March 28, 2021
Thank you to let me know about this sometime people call the ask you for your bank account and I'm so happy you're helping me to know that thank you
Jmackey18
March 28, 2021
I was enrolled in Phoenix in 2012 and I didn’t receive any notification or settlement
RR21
March 28, 2021
So the debt accumulated during this time wasn’t forgiven? And a check for an average of $337 was sent to the eligible students? What kind of remedy is that? Why would the students still be stuck with the debt?
Annapolis K
March 29, 2021
Yeah, got my check: $201. I have been a gig worker, ever since I graduated with that 3.8 GPA. What now? Buy 1 share of Gamestock(GME)? Vote Sanders/Yang 2024? I don't need pocket change; I need help figuring out what to do next. I need: debt forgiveness; job placement; and, an education I can actually apply to the real world.
JAXFLUOPXStudent
March 29, 2021
Does anyone know of an attorney to contact regarding these payments? How did they come to this amount? Why were not all the loans canceled during that time frame? There are so many questions.
FTC Staff
March 30, 2021

In reply to by JAXFLUOPXStudent

The FTC sent payments to people who did not already get their debt cancelled by the University of Phoenix as part of the settlement and who met three other requirements. The requirements are listed at the top of this blog.

The FTC settlement with the University of Phoenix does not affect your private or federal student loans.

Uopgraduate
March 29, 2021
I received a check for $403.00. Not going far towards the debt. Glad to know it’s not a scam. I was scared to deposit the check!
RoyL
March 29, 2021
WHERE do i cash? I don't have a bank!!
mistabaker80
March 30, 2021
My daily mail notification from USPS showed the refund in my mail for the day, when I went to check it its no longer there. Can I get a replacement check sent out?
FTC Staff
March 31, 2021

In reply to by mistabaker80

If you have questions about your payment, please call the refund administrator at 1-877-310-0487. Go to www.FTC.gov/UoP for more information about the payments.

Quavischeek
March 31, 2021
I meet all eligibility requirements and I have not received any form of payment not any debt cancellation.
MDK
March 30, 2021
I guess I am one of the lucky few here. Not only did I get my very unexpected payment from the FTC yesterday, but my UoP degree was the reason I got hired to the position I am in for 2.5 years now. My employer covered 75% of my student loan, and I paid off the rest one year after graduation. Not all endings are bad!
rosson15
March 31, 2021
Some students got their debt cancelled out; while others get a check...who determines which loan debts to cancel? I qualify and meet the criteria and received a check yesterday but skeptic to deposit. Did anyone hear about UOP lawsuit on the news???
FTC Staff
March 31, 2021

In reply to by rosson15

Under the settlement, the University of Phoenix cancelled debt that students owed directly to the school. The FTC is sending payments to students who did not already get their debt cancelled by the University of Phoenix as part of the settlement.

The FTC settlement with University of Phoenix does not affect anyones federal or private student loan obligations. 

 

Nikki
March 31, 2021
I finally was able to get through to a FTC representative however after providing my information I was informed that my name did not appear on the list. I'm confused because I was enrolled at UOP August 22, 2012 -for my Bachelors in which I completed October 2014. Re-enrolled in January 2015 after being contacted by an advisor to receive my Masters and graduated October 2016 therefore I attended the school in the timeframe presented October 2012 through December 2016. After providing George with this information I was told then that I was enrolled before the actual dates presented on website. I don't quite understand that response therefore I did not get upset nor did I argue. As for the other requirements, in which I also met but again due to the time I enrolled I was not eligible for payment. This whole thing is very confusing and not straightforward.
Change2021$$
April 01, 2021
In October 2012 , I was enrolled to the university of Phoenix , and I earned a bachelor degree in healthcare management in 2014. I graduated with a 3.15 GPA but till today I’m struggled to find a job. The university of Phoenix promised they will help me to get a job but it was a lie. In March 2020 after I lost my hospitality job due to Covid-19, I contacted the university of Phoenix regarding job careers, they referred me to their website because I was told they have companies that they worked with to help students on their jobs search. I applied for two customer service positions job but unfortunately one of the company that contacted me after reviewing my application on the university of Phoenix site was a scam. Not only the university overcharged me for the degree, I ended up with no job and got scammed. Now I am overwhelmed with student loans debts , and unemployed at the same time. What more can an individual take? I might be a victim but I’m not a failure.
Lyn
April 01, 2021
Received my check in the mail in the amount of $324.95. Appreciate for getting an amount, but would love the debt to be cancelled or at least half. So I am researching to see if I cash it will be debt not be cancelled.
Jack k
April 01, 2021
I'm one of the students that met all requirements and only received $600 check and they told me this was it. What will happen with the rest of $38000 in loans? which is now $40000.
StMo
April 02, 2021
I received a check for $72, much less than I paid for worthless classes. Why didn't my student loans get forgiven??
Angry UoP Student
April 03, 2021
I have a different dispute going with UoP pertaining to Tuition Fraud and I was wondering if I cash this check if it will effect the other dispute?
FTC Staff
April 05, 2021

In reply to by Angry UoP Student

The FTC does not require you to forfeit any rights you may have under federal or state law to get your refund.

Curious Graduate
April 04, 2021
So, if I receive and cash this settlement check, can I still have my student loan debt cancelled in the future?
FTC Staff
April 05, 2021

In reply to by Curious Graduate

The FTC does not require you to forfeit any rights you may have under federal or state law to get your refund. This payment does not prevent you from seeking other relief that may be available under federal or state law. For example, the Department of Education’s Borrower Defense to Repayment program provides for loan forgiveness in certain circumstances. For more information about the program, visit studentaid.gov/borrower-defense.

hazelbowman60
April 11, 2021
Is there any way to get this removed from my credit report? The Univerity of Phoenix sent my so-called balance of $7,000 to a collection agency. They have harassed me and my family because of fraudulent billing. I had to leave due to medical issues and I had two more classes to take to finish the Master's program. I had done everything I was supposed to do. A few months after leaving and having major surgery, UOP sends me a bill saying I owed them $7,000 for two classes I took and did not pay for. After everything, UOP did everything they could to harras and stress students. Not to mention all the lies about a great future based on the university's association with top-grossing mega companies. What a joke.