The Brooks Institute of Photography was a for-profit college that offered photography and filmmaking degrees. In 2016, the school closed down after being sued by students and the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE).
What were the allegations against Brooks Institute?
The BPPVE alleged that Brooks Institute had engaged in false advertising and deceptive practices. Specifically, the BPPVE accused Brooks Institute of:
- Misleading students about their job placement rates after graduation
- Overstating the value of their degrees
- Using high-pressure sales tactics to enroll students
- Failing to provide students with the skills and training they needed to be successful in their careers
What was the outcome of the lawsuit?
In 2012, Brooks Institute settled with the BPPVE for $12 million. The settlement required Brooks Institute to provide refunds to students who had been misled by the school’s advertising and deceptive practices.
What does this mean for Brooks Institute students?
If you are a former Brooks Institute student who was misled by the school’s advertising or deceptive practices, you may be eligible for a refund. You can learn more about your options by contacting the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
What can I do if I have questions about the Brooks Institute lawsuit?
If you have questions about the Brooks Institute lawsuit, you can contact the following resources:
- The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
- The California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE)
- The National Student Legal Defense Network (NSLDN)
FAQs
Q: What is the deadline to file a claim for a refund from Brooks Institute?
A: The deadline to file a claim for a refund from Brooks Institute is March 10, 2024.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible for a refund from Brooks Institute?
A: To be eligible for a refund from Brooks Institute, you must have been a student at the school between 1999 and 2016 and you must have been misled by the school’s advertising or deceptive practices.
Q: How do I file a claim for a refund from Brooks Institute?
A: To file a claim for a refund from Brooks Institute, you must contact the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). You can do this by visiting the CSAC website or by calling the CSAC at 1-888-995-4559.
Q: What happens if I miss the deadline to file a claim for a refund from Brooks Institute?
A: If you miss the deadline to file a claim for a refund from Brooks Institute, you will not be able to get a refund from the school. However, you may still be able to get help with your student loans.
Q: What are my options if I have student loans from Brooks Institute?
A: If you have student loans from Brooks Institute, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness or other relief programs. You can learn more about your options by contacting the Department of Education.
Q: What can I do if I have other questions about the Brooks Institute lawsuit?
A: If you have other questions about the Brooks Institute lawsuit, you can contact the following resources:
- The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
- The California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE)
- The National Student Legal Defense Network (NSLDN)
