Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  01/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I started taking classes December **** and finish July 2, **** so far I havent got my certificate of completion as a nail technician. I did an aesthetician and nail program. I had some benefits through the VA and they charge me $12,000 not included and $150 to submit my test to the city to get my license. However I have not been able to do that because they said the VA still owes them money And the VA already sent them a letter saying Affinity hair academy had file more hours than permitted. Now its January **** and I still havent got a respond from the school, even tho I keep sending emails and I get the run around. I would like to get my license, I did all the hours and bought my books and the VA paid the 12k and they want to charge an extra $900/$1000. To the VA so I can get my license. I think they are not being fair with the students and the amount of money weve paid, and they still want more!

  Business response

  01/25/2024

  Hello,

  When students enroll at the Academy utilizing VA benefit programs first it is reviewed with the VA ****** what the student is eligible for. This particular student was utilizing the dependent VA benefit program called Ch. 35 which states the following: They do not pay for the entire program, they only pay for the student to attend to complete the program they enroll in (it's an assistance). This particular student enrolled in the Full Specialty program of 600 clock hours. Chapter 35 does not pay the school; they pay the student directly every month once they confirm attendance and the student pays the school. Again, Ch. 35 does not pay the program tuition in its entirety only for the student's attendance to complete the 600 hours, the remaining amount falls on the student's financial responsibility. This is the reason why I have students under Ch. 35 sign a disclosure/agreement (refer to attachment) All of this was disclosed to the student upon enrollment. However, she continues to believe that CH. 35 pays for the entire program- it does not. In addition, upon enrollment I emphasized how they are strict on not paying over the 600-clock program (this program is not the same as Ch. 33 for students that are Veterans using their benefit) Regardless, this student took vacation in between her enrollment and did not complete the program on time as her end date stated 6/10/23. As an advisor, I called the VA ****** to find out if it was possible to extend her 10% and provide her additional time to complete the program and they denied the claim because again, Ms. ******* falls under CH. 35 which means they only pay for her attendance to complete 600 hours only- nothing extra. After her end date of 6/10/23, it will be considered overtime. Since the student time has expired and achieved her 600 hours the VA paid their portion for the student to attend the 600-hour program. 

  Jan 2023, VA paid $1400.00 for Dec. attendance
  March 2023, VA paid $2800.00 for **** and Feb. attendance
  ***** 2023, VA paid $1400.00 for March attendance
  In *** 2023 VA paid $1400.00 for ***** attendance
  June 2023, VA paid $1868.00 for *** & June attendance upto 6/10/23 (as stated in her contract) to complete the 600 hours
  
  

  The student paid initially $2200.00, this amount totals only =$11,068.00.

  The Full Specialty program tuition program costs $12,000

  There is a difference of $932.00 owed to the school. 
  
  

  The student has currently paid her amount of $932.00 to satisfy the program tuition amount and taking her exam to satisfy graduation requirements for Full Specialty program, she did not enroll into the Nail Technician program. Unfortunately, student fails to understand the program or VA benefits. 

  Refer to attachments

  Business response

  01/25/2024

  The following attachments to our response.

   

  I sent an email to the student on 1/6/24 and printed it for her as well. 

   

  Thank you,

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