Why Did They Close?
Alteirus Career Colleges was a former for-profit chain of postsecondary vocational colleges that converted to a not-for-profit status in 2015 before closing in 2017 due to severe enrollment losses and regulatory scrutiny from the US Department of Education. The once-prominent network of non-profit healthcare and trade schools underwent a significant transformation in 2015 when it was acquired and converted into a not-for-profit institution by ECMC Education.
Despite this effort to enhance its educational mission, the college chain faced insurmountable challenges, leading to its closure in 2017. The primary factors contributing to its demise were severe enrollment losses and heightened regulatory scrutiny from the US Department of Education. Various factors, such as changes in market demand, competition from other institutions, or internal operational issues, may have influenced the decline in student enrollment.
Additionally, the regulatory scrutiny from the US Department of Education likely exacerbated the challenges, possibly involving compliance issues or concerns regarding the institution’s financial stability.
Programs & Courses
HVAC & Building Services
- HVAC
- Electrical
Healthcare
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Pharmacy Technician
- Dental Assistant
- Surgical Technologist
Computer & Information Technology
- Computer Systems Technician
Wellness
- Massage Therapy
Campus Locations
Tampa, FL 3319 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33614
Norcross, GA 1750 Beaver Ruin Rd., Suite 500 Norcross, GA 30093
Houston, TX 9700 Bissonnet St., Suite 1400 Houston, TX 77036
Financial Aid Services
The school offers financial aid to help students afford their education. Altierus Career College has emergency assistance options for those who struggle to make payments in certain situations. Scholarships, like the American Dream Scholarship, are also available.
Student Services
Students at Altierus Career College can take advantage of different campus services. Attendees have access to career coaching, tutoring, and special events. The school also provides support offices and flexible program start times for convenience.
Veteran and Military Services
Veterans and their dependents are able to get financial aid at Altierus Career College. Most benefits are subject to the discretion of the Veterans Administration. Some military personnel and their families may be eligible to apply for scholarships as well.
Reviews
Since 2016, the Google reviews for Altierus Career College present a deeply divided and ultimately negative view of the institution. The sentiment shifts dramatically from largely positive remarks in the earlier years to severe criticism and confirmation of the school’s closure in recent reviews.
Based on the overall sentiment and the significant number of negative and highly critical reviews, a generous score would be around 1.5 out of 5. The positive reviews, while heartfelt, are overshadowed by serious allegations of fraud, poor academic quality, and administrative failures.
Summary of Key Themes:
Early Positive Experiences (2016-2018): Several reviews from this period praise the school for its “great school, great instructors” and its “excellent place to develop yourself as a professional.” These reviews often highlight a family-like atmosphere and staff that are “nice and understanding,” offering personal support and attention to students with various needs. This includes a review from a student who describes it as their “best year ever” and a “great bond for all students.”
Growing Concerns and Disappointment (2019 and onwards): A shift in tone becomes evident in later reviews. One student from five years ago expresses dissatisfaction with the curriculum, finding it less effective than a previous school they attended. They note a lack of quizzes, and a rushed schedule with insufficient time for practical skill development.
Severe Accusations of a “Scam” (2019-2023): The most recent and critical reviews, from the last few years, use words like “scam” and “joke.” Students allege they paid significant tuition (up to $15,000) for a sub-par education where they were largely left to “watch YouTube videos” and learn from textbooks on their own, with teachers focusing on personal matters instead of the curriculum. One review from six years ago claims to have been “scammed out of $10,000” and was unable to get a medical license. Another review from two years ago claims an instructor purposefully gave out perfect scores on tests, regardless of performance, raising questions about the value of the certification.
Confirmation of Closure and Administrative Issues: Several recent reviews mention the school is “closing” and one review from two years ago directly quotes a staff member who said, “the school is shutting down.” Another review from five years ago details a prospective student’s frustration with being denied entry due to a non-violent background, even after taking an assessment test. There’s also a review from two years ago about a “RUDE” administrative staff member who hung up on a prospective student inquiring about “teach-out” options and the school’s status.