What Is It Known For?
Mildred Elley started in 1917 when Augusta Mildred Elley opened a typing and shorthand school for women in Albany, New York, during World War I. This private, for-profit institution has grown from its humble beginnings into a comprehensive career college. \
Today, it offers associate degrees through three schools: the School of Business and Technology, the School of Health and Wellness Professions, and the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The college operates three campus locations in Albany, NY, New York, NY, and Pittsfield, MA. Enrollment varies by location but generally ranges around 400 students per campus.
Degrees & Certifications
Mildred Elley provides vocational training through certificate and associate degree programs. Students can pursue careers through programs including:
- Advanced Paralegal Studies
- Business Management
- Information Technology
- Medical Assistant
- Massage Therapy
- Nurse Aide
- Phlebotomy
- Practical Nursing
Class Schedules
The college offers evening classes for various programs, helping students who work or have daytime commitments. Admissions representatives at each campus can provide specific course and scheduling details. Many courses are also available in an online format for added flexibility.
Healthcare programs at Mildred Elley include mandatory clinical externships or rotations. This hands-on training helps students develop practical skills needed for their careers.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) provides institutional accreditation for Mildred Elley. The school maintains multiple professional affiliations, which are detailed in its 2025-2026 Academic Catalog.
Acceptance Rate
Mildred Elley follows an open admission policy, resulting in a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
According to the school’s most recent student catalog, tuition charges at Mildred Elley are:
- Most Programs: $553 per credit hour
- Practical Nursing: $452 per credit hour
- Massage Therapy: $295 per credit hour
- Nurse Aide Training: $950
For a better overview of total program costs, use the school’s net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Business Management
Criminal Justice & Law
- Paralegal Studies
Healthcare
- Medical Assistant
- Massage Therapy
- Nurse Aide
- Phlebotomy
- Practical Nursing
Technology
- Information Technology
Campus Locations
Albany 855 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206
New York 25 Broadway, Floor 16, New York, NY, 10004
Pittsfield 100 West St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Mildred Elley – NYC Campus is currently facing severe negative criticism regarding its accreditation status, high cost, and the deceptive process of enrolling students into their Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program. While a few older reviews speak highly of caring professors, the overwhelming sentiment is a strong warning to prospective students.
Overall Score: 3.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Caring Professors (Isolated): A few older and isolated reviews praise the professors for caring about student learning and putting effort into their classes.
Support for Independent Students: A small number of reviewers found staff helpful when they proactively sought assistance with complex tasks.
Common Criticisms
National Accreditation Barrier (Major Issue): Numerous students report being misled about their credits, stating the school’s National Accreditation (ABHES) prevents their credits from transferring to most Regionally Accredited four-year colleges (like CUNY schools). This forces students to repeat classes, effectively making their diplomas “worthless” for further education.
Alleged LPN Program Scam/Bait-and-Switch: The most repeated complaint is a pattern where students enroll in a less expensive program (like Medical Assisting) with the promise of an “easy transition” into the highly sought-after LPN program. Reviewers claim this is a lie; they are forced to retake prerequisite classes or are denied entry after wasting time and money.
High Cost for Certificate Value: Students complain that the Medical Assisting program takes almost a year and is expensive, noting that local CUNY schools offer the same certificate in a shorter time and for free. Many feel scammed out of significant tuition funds for low-value credentials.
Poor Organization and Administrative Issues: Students report issues with rude admissions staff, inconsistent policies, being charged for classes they never attended, and poor organization regarding textbook orders and scheduling.
Momentum
The momentum for Mildred Elley – NYC Campus is overwhelmingly negative and trending down. The most prominent and recent complaints center on the fundamental integrity of the school’s core offering and accreditation. Public records also show the institution has been engaged in the eligibility process for regional accreditation (MSCHE), suggesting an awareness of the issue. However, until this status is achieved, the credit transfer and LPN program issues remain significant risks. Students are advised to investigate the NCLEX-PN pass rates and transferability of credits before enrolling.