Why Did They Close?
Coyne College, initially founded as a branch of the Coyne Electrical School of Boston in 1899, underwent a transformative merger with the American Institute of Engineering and Technology, resulting in its rebranding as Coyne College with the addition of a campus in Chicago. However, the institution faced insurmountable challenges, culminating in its closure in March 2022. The decision stemmed from an examination of the college’s financial standing, exacerbated by a significant decline in enrollment following the 2020 COVID pandemic. The gradual shutdown approach adopted by Coyne College demonstrated a commitment to its students’ well-being, ensuring a smooth transition for all. Striving to mitigate the impact on its student body, Coyne College facilitated the transfer of students to alternative institutions, supported graduations, and provided employment security measures. This closure marked the end of a long-standing educational legacy, prompting reflection on the evolving landscape of technical education.
Programs & Courses
HVAC & Building Services
- HVAC
- Refrigeration
- Electrical
Healthcare
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Pharmacy Technician
Campus Locations
Chicago, IL 1 North State St., Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60602
Financial Aid Services
The financial aid staff at Coyne College helps students figure out their funding. Federal loans, Pell grants, and work-study programs are available. The school also provides scholarships, such as the Imagine America or Coyne American Institute Educational Foundation scholarship. Those who apply early have better options.
Student Services
Allied health or construction trades students may view online portals with valuable information. There is a Resource Center website for all fields that includes tutorials on common issues. Among other amenities, Coyne College offers tutoring to those who need academic help.
Career Services
Employers can access a database of graduates and their resumes. Coyne College holds job fairs and has a board where openings are posted. The school partners with Glassdoor and Workerbridge to bring students free accounts on these sites. The Career Services department gives advice on resumes, applications, interviews, cover letters, and searching for local jobs.
Veteran and Military Services
The Military Award Program is a possible funding option to those who qualify. Applicants can be active duty or veteran members of the armed forces. Coyne College advisors will assist with the application process.
Alumni Services
Graduates receive lifetime aid from Career Services. They continue to get all of the same benefits as current students. The Coyne College blog contains articles on a lot of helpful topics as well, like industry updates. It even periodically spotlights successful alumni.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Coyne College has a complex and mixed reputation. While many long-time alumni have a very positive view of the school, more recent complaints point to significant administrative issues and concerns about the value of the education.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Longstanding Reputation for Quality Training: Many positive reviews come from alumni who attended decades ago and praise the school for providing excellent, hands-on training that prepared them for long and successful careers.
Supportive Environment and Staff: Reviewers describe the instructors as “excellent” and the overall atmosphere as professional. The school is credited with helping some students find jobs after graduation.
Common Criticisms
Allegations of Scams and Poor Value: Recent complaints allege that the school is a “scam.” Students have reported being charged for weeks they did not attend and having frustrating experiences with the refund process, leading to accusations of dishonesty.
Inconsistent Hands-on Training: A few reviews directly contradict the praise for hands-on training, claiming that certain programs consist of too much lecture and online videos, making them “not worth” the cost.
Momentum
The reputation of Coyne College is divided. While the historical reviews paint a picture of a successful and respected trade school, the more detailed recent complaints point to serious administrative and financial issues. There is no clear trend, as the positive reviews are from former students who attended many years ago, and the most pointed criticisms are from more recent attendees.