Consumer complaint received 2016-04-29
Company: GREAT LAKES
State: SC
Product: Student loan
Sub-product: Federal student loan servicing
Issue: Dealing with my lender or servicer
Sub-issue: Received bad information about my loan

Complaint:
I would like to make a formal complaint against XXXX XXXX due to the many false claims they make to unsuspecting students who were promised job assistance, the use of predatory loans, and unsubstantiated statistics they claim students benefit while attending and graduating from their school. I attended the school and believe they committed fraud of the highest nature and request a formal inquiry into the school as it is a for-profit institution with many campuses marketing false claims throughout the US. I implore you to help others from making the same mistake I have in attending a school that bolsters its attendance and graduation rates creating undue hardship. I was told prior to attending that there was a XXXX % job placement with assistance from career center, however, no one knew how to help me and claimed it was my own responsibility. The school also reports having real experienced professors from the field, but they instead forced the students to buy a program that played tutorials. This was never discussed prior to going to the school. I would never have gone to an institution that teaches through straight videos. I think those who have been wrongfully subjected to the predatory loans should be dismissed on the wrongful merits this for-profit school claimed in its aggressive marketing campaigns. 

The student in question has suffered greatly as he was marketed heavily based on the conversations and documentation the school provided of their successful ways they find potential permanent positions for graduates. In reality, the burden to pay back the loans is greatly beyond the marketing, financial responsibility, and systematic breakdown of the education system in order to turn a profit on unsuspecting students attempting to obtain higher education. At this time, I owe nearly XXXX XXXX dollars in student loans for an education I have never been able to use. I searched for two years and was never able to obtain even a temporary position. XXXX XXXX marketed the idea of bettering yourself with obtaining a higher education degree with ease and ability to switch professions with extensive assistance from their staff. If I knew these claims to be untrue I would never have enrolled there. In a very serious manner, I have suffered severe XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX and feel I have taken away the future of my family 's financial security and well being due to this school. 
Here is a list of marketing tools the school uses, but failed to follow through : The most direct path to your new career - they give directions specifically how to get financial aid without giving any indication of the total amount. 
Career placement assistance - I was never given any assistance and even told towards the end of my tenor that it was my responsibility. 
No hidden fees - they forced students to purchase a XXXX program to follow through out the program, which was only Microsoft compatible. If you had a MAC, you were forced to purchase the Microsoft Office at XXXX dollars. 
Personalized service centered on you - I never met with one person to help determine my future. 
Instructors with real-world experience - We met once a week and all instruction was through lab tutorials/simulator. 

A list of improper acts perpetrated by XXXX XXXX : Using general statistics of earnings of graduates ; The availability of advertised programs ; The employment assistance the school provides graduates expressing a XXXX % placement of graduates from the XXXX XXXX program ; The school 's role in its private loan program, stating the loan pays for itself as they help you find a position giving you the statistics on how much XXXX graduates earn ; The nature, character, and quality of educational programs ;

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation