Katharine Gibbs Schools

Penelope of Newark, NJ July 12, 2007

I have studied art and art history since high school so a few years ago I decided to at least get my associates degree for visual communications so I could rank high with other job opportunities. I decided to go to Gibbs college in Montclair (now in Livingston). It was a while since I have been in school and was excited because they promised me everything from grants to top notch teachers.

WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! I was covered partially by financial aid but still had monthly payment to the school and took out loans. I was ASSURED this would soon be allieviated as if I was on the DEANS list for the first two terms I would be applicable for a grant.

PERFECT! I knew I could do that so the expense was low, right? WRONG I was indeed on the DEANS list but this may have not been a good thing because a CHIMP could have aced those 9th grade courses! Teachers with emotional and mental problems;teachers coming to school drunk or not at all.

When I went to the financial aid office in the beginning of my third term to apply for my GRANT I was told that I was NOT applicable for this grant because I was too old. The grant was for kids who just graduated high school. I was floored! What was I going to do? I was out of work and had a family. I sacrificed time (they also lied about school schedules) I had to deal with teachers who had issues far beyond therapy and was asked by teachers to conduct classes and in the end came to find that what they taught I already knew.

Diane of Bronx, NY April 9, 2007

Hi my name is Diane and I am currently attending Katharine Gibbs School which unfortunately is the biggest mistake I've done in my life. I entered the Criminal Justice program hoping that I would go far but its only set me back. A majority of the professors are not qualified to teach Criminal Justice classes. They had a professor from the Hotel and Resturant program teach us a Terrorism course. We had 3 deans in the past 2 years and they still havent shown that they care about the students.I honestly feel that all they seek is money from the students. I was on the Honor's list twice with a GPA of 3.35 and now my GPA is 2.5. The professors I've had do not show us any hands on trainig and if we were to graduate we would not be prepared for the outside world. They have also sent me numerous of collection notices stating I owed them money, which then was voided when I treid to investigate further. I have failed my classes and not on purpose. I have put my all into my studies and professors did not show any consideration about anything. They show me that they really do not care. My mother has been sick and I've had to miss a few days of school and work just to attend to her needs. I also lost my dad a four years ago which brings a burden on me because financially I can not afford to repay a loan of 20,000. What I make at my job which is part time and not stable I can pay for only my bills. My mom does not recieve much from SSI and it goes to bills also. I also have been told that in about 4 years if I continue my education I would have to pay for my classes because my funds from the state will expire. Nonetheless, I have a -4,101.00 credited in my account at school. I have tried to claim it but I am always given an excuse. I have tried speaking to various people and they all give me a different answer or have no answer at all. If anyone reads this and you think you can help me please feel free to contact me at diane.boyd@my.gibbsny.edu. I will highly appreciate any feedback I can get to get to the bottom of this.

Finacially I will not be able to repay a 20,000 loan.

Diane of Bronx, NY April 9, 2007

A majority of the professors are not qualified to teach Criminal Justice classes. They had a professor from the Hotel and Resturant program teach us a Terrorism course. We had 3 deans in the past 2 years. The professors I've had do not show us any hands on trainig and if we were to graduate we would not be prepared for the outside world. They have also sent me numerous of collection notices stating I owed them money, which then was voided when I tried to investigate further. I have failed my classes and not on purpose. I have put my all into my studies and professors did not show any consideration about anything.

Boswell of Smithfield, NC December 31, 2006

I attended the Katharine Gibbs School for the Digital Media and Applied Science program form 2002 - 2003. I finished the program with 3.68 GPA. The reason I chose Katharine Gibbs was the fact that they promissed a regimented and concise program with 100% job placement after graduation. It has been 3 years and I have yet to get a Job or the help to find a Job in my field. Nancy Klein who is in charge of the job placement advised me that they no longer guarantee job placement and to set up an account with Career builder or Monster.com.

I am stuck with a 30,000 student loan and had to file bankruptcy, because I couldn't find a job to pay my bills.

Rena of Deerfield Beach, FL May 3, 2005

I was a student of Gibbs college in montclair. Majoring in Visual communications, everything seemed great (at the initial interview) I explained to them from day one my over all goal was to receive my Ph.D. So I had asked them more than once if they were fully accredited.. they told me yes!

Also I had received grants and loans for the beginning and they told me that I would receive the same grants and loans for the 2nd half of my time at Gibbs! Well the time came for loans and grants and I was denied for both! Unfortunately this made me have to begin looking else where. I was very angry due to the fact I had put so much time work and effort into my education! I am putting myself through school! My income at the time had reduced not increased so it was at no fault of my own that I couldnt get the grants.

Meanwhile I then learned while looking into other colleges out of state that Gibbs doesnt hold a high accrediation, therefor most of my credits id not all would not transfer! I was extremely mad, but was trying to handle things in a adult manor.

I found a great animation college in Florida! I love it and the people!

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