Students and faculty blindsided by for-profit school's closure
Amid financial trouble, Career Colleges of America loses accreditation and closes, leaving students ineligible for financial aid.
Hundreds of students and faculty at a financially troubled South Gate trade school were left angry and unsure of their fate Thursday, after the school abruptly closed its doors and federal officials said students would no longer be eligible for financial aid.
Authorities confirmed that accreditation and eligibility to offer student loans, grants and other assistance had been withdrawn from Career Colleges of America amid ongoing financial problems.
The for-profit school, which opened in 1988, provides training in such medical fields as surgical technology, medical assistance, and alcohol and drug counseling. About 800 students are enrolled at campuses in South Gate, mid-city Los Angeles and San Bernardino.
"We were informed this afternoon that the school lost accreditation, and when that happens we have to terminate student aid eligibility," said Chris Greene, a spokesman for the U.S Department of Education.
http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-0110-college-shutdown-20140110,0,4901359.story#ixzz2r5YW3vRS