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{{Short description|American private for-profit college}}
{{Infobox University
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox university
|name = Westwood College
|name = Westwood College
|image = [[Image:Westwood_College.jpg]]
|image = Westwood College.jpg
|established = 1953
|motto = ''Focused on Your Success''
|closed = 2016
|established = [[1953]]
|type = [[For-Profit School|For-profit]]
|type = [[Private college|Private]] [[For-profit higher education in the United States|for-profit college]]
|city =[[Southern California]], [[Denver]], [[Atlanta]], [[Chicago]], Westwood College Online
|president =
|state = [[California]], [[Colorado]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[Illinois]], and [[Virginia]]
|city = <!--(
|country = United States
|state = -->[[California]], [[Colorado]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[Illinois]], [[Texas]] and [[Virginia]]
|country = [[United States]]
|undergrad =
|undergrad =
|postgrad =
|postgrad =
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|free =
|free =
|mascot =
|mascot =
|colors =
|website =
|website = http://www.westwood.edu
}}
}}


'''Westwood College''' was a [[Private college|private]] [[For-profit higher education in the United States|for-profit college]] owned by [[Alta Colleges Inc.]] with 15 campus locations in five states and [[E-learning|online learning]] options. Westwood was nationally [[educational accreditation|accredited]] by the [[Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools]] (ACICS).<ref>{{cite web|title=ACICS Member directory|url=https://personify.acics.org/SchoolDirectorySearch/tabid/204/Default.aspx |publisher=Personify.acics.org |access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> Since its inception in 1986, Westwood graduated more than 37,000 students.<ref>{{cite web|title=Westwood Graduate Stories|url=http://westwoodcollegesuccess.com/|publisher=Westwoodcollegesuccess.com|access-date=2015-07-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429041056/http://westwoodcollegesuccess.com/|archive-date=2015-04-29|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westwood.edu/why-westwood/about-us/|title=Westwood College; About us|publisher=Westwood.edu|access-date=2015-07-10|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905131702/http://www.westwood.edu/why-westwood/about-us|archive-date=2015-09-05}}</ref> The college closed in March 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2016/01/28/westwood-college-closing-after-freezing-enrollment/|title=Westwood College closing after freezing enrollment|date=2016-01-28|website=The Denver Post|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-23}}</ref><ref name=closure>{{cite web |url=http://denver.cbslocal.com/2016/01/27/westwood-college-announces-it-will-close-in-march |title=Westwood College Announces It Will Close In March |publisher=[[KCNC-TV|CBS4]] |date=January 27, 2016 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}</ref>
'''Westwood College''' offers over 18 [[Associate's degree|Associate]] and [[Bachelor's degree|Bachelor]] Degree programs in [[business]], [[criminal justice]], [[gaming]], [[fashion]], [[computers]] & [[information technology]], and [[design]] as well as degree, diploma, and certificate programs in [[health care]], [[industrial services]], and [[aviation maintenance]].


==History==
Westwood College campus locations:
Westwood College was founded in [[Denver]], [[Colorado]], in 1953. For many years, the school was known as Denver Institute of Technology, offering [[diploma]] and [[degree programs]] in a variety of technical fields. As the school expanded into other industries, the name was changed to Westwood College in 1997.


Westwood College became part of [[Alta Colleges Inc.]] (Alta), a system of for-profit [[higher education]] institutions that also included Westwood College Online and [[Redstone College]] (formerly known as Colorado Aero Tech in Denver). Prior to ceasing operations, there were 15 Westwood College campuses located in five states.
*[[Atlanta]]
*[[Southern California]]
*The [[Chicagoland]] area
*[[Denver]]
*[[Dallas/Fort Worth]], [[Houston]]
*[[Virginia]]
*Westwood College Online


==Issues and controversies==
*Note* Westwood credits do not transfer to traditional institutions of higher learning and accredidation is not accepted in most programs.
===2009 class action suit===
In May 2009, Westwood settled a federal lawsuit over misrepresentation of its graduation statistics for $7 million {{USDCY|7000000|2009}}, without admitting wrongdoing.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mytelka|first1=Andrew|title=Proprietary College to Pay $7-Million to Settle Federal Student-Aid Charges |url=http://chronicle.com/article/Proprietary-College-to-Pay-/42773/|access-date=5 May 2015|work=Chronicle of Higher Education|date=20 April 2009}}</ref>

Westwood faced a class action arbitration in 2009, challenging its admissions and financial aid practices. The suit against Westwood was dismissed after the court found that it did not warrant class action status. The court ruled that the student who led the class-action suit derived "most if not all, of his knowledge of the case from his attorneys" and appeared to be little more than a bystander to the suit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.law.com/jsp/cc/PubArticleFriendlyCC.jsp?id=1202499577280|title=Corporate Counsel|publisher=law.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/judge-denies-class-action-suit-against-westwood/|title=Texas Judge Denies Class-Action Suit Against Westwood College Online Classes In Texas « CBS Dallas / Fort Worth|work=cbslocal.com}}</ref>

The [[Colorado Attorney General]]'s office reached a settlement with the college in 2012, following a two-year investigation, in which the college did not admit any liability but agreed to pay $2 million {{USDCY|2000000|2012}} in penalties, restitution, and attorneys fees and costs to the state. Westwood was also required to credit another $2.5 million {{USDCY|2500000|2012}} in restitution directly to students who financed their tuition with the school's institutional financing program.<ref name="Attorney General announces $4.5 million settlement with Westwood College">{{cite news|title=Colorado settles case with Westwood College|year=2012|newspaper=The Muscatine Journal|access-date=2012-03-14|url=http://muscatinejournal.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/colorado-settles-lawsuit-against-westwood-college/article_ff0a184a-742f-57ed-acbd-9a8bfbc32a64.html}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

===2011 disqualification by Veterans administration===
In 2011, the [[United States Department of Veterans Affairs|Veterans Administration]] disqualified three Westwood College Campuses from the GI Bill Program. The VA took this step after finding, "erroneous, deceptive, and misleading advertising and enrollment practices at these institutions."<ref>{{cite web|title=Durbin: VA Disqualifies Three Westwood College Campuses from GI Bill Program|url=http://durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=b4931a95-01a9-4113-b66c-6e3ae29f439d|work=[[Dick Durbin]] site|publisher=United States Senate|access-date=October 31, 2011}}</ref> In late 2011, Westwood stopped enrolling students in their Texas campuses.

On January 18, 2012, Illinois Attorney General [[Lisa Madigan]] filed a lawsuit citing misleading job opportunities for Westwood's criminal justice program.<ref name="Madigan sues Westwood College over misleading degree claims">{{cite news | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-madigan-sues-westwood-college-over-misleading-degree-claims-20120118,0,4357303.story | work=Chicago Tribune | title=Topic Galleries | access-date=2015-07-10 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128032853/http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-madigan-sues-westwood-college-over-misleading-degree-claims-20120118,0,4357303.story | archive-date=2012-01-28 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Westwood settled the suit in 2015 after failing to gain dismissal of the case. Westwood agreed to pay $15 million {{USDCY|15000000|2015}} toward the loans of their criminal justice students.<ref>{{cite news| url= http://abc7chicago.com/education/westwood-college-to-forgive-$15m-in-student-loans/1068354/|title= WESTWOOD COLLEGE TO FORGIVE $15M IN LOANS TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENTS| publisher = ABC 7| date= 2015-11-04|access-date= 2015-11-14}}</ref> Shortly thereafter the college ceased admitting new students<ref name=IHE_no_new_students>{{cite web |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/12/08/profit-westwood-college-wont-accept-new-students |title=Fall of a For-Profit |author=Ashley A. Smith |website=[[Inside Higher Ed]] |date=December 8, 2015 |access-date=December 8, 2015}}</ref> and announced that it would close in March 2016.<ref name=closure /> Westwood has acknowledged that in most cases its credits will not transfer to other colleges or universities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westwood.edu/qa/credit-transfer/|title=How Does Transferring College Credits Work? - Westwood College|work=Westwood.edu|access-date=2015-07-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711205752/http://www.westwood.edu/qa/credit-transfer|archive-date=2015-07-11|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Academics==
Westwood College Online offered 25 degree programs. Coursework was completed entirely over the [[Internet]] via audio/visual technology designed to mimic an actual classroom. The [[virtual classrooms]] were supplemented with real textbooks.

Westwood College established partnerships with several public school districts to provide technology, support and money.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westwood.edu/why-westwood/community-outreach/bridging-the-high-school-technology-gap|title=Westwood Partnerships|publisher=Westwood College|access-date=2015-07-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073138/http://www.westwood.edu/why-westwood/community-outreach/bridging-the-high-school-technology-gap|archive-date=2015-07-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> The partnerships include [[Atlanta Public Schools]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130530005437/en/Westwood-College-Donations-Sponsorships-Area-High-Schools#.U0XIGMfTbA8|title=Westwood College Provides Donations and Sponsorships at Area High Schools to Help Students Succeed |newspaper=BusinessWires|access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> "A Better Chicago"<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140423006697/en/Westwood-College-Partners-Chicago-Crushers-Club-Raise#.U3EnKMeaFhQ |title=Westwood College Partners with a Better Chicago and Crushers Club to Raise Money for Youth Programs |newspaper=BusinessWires|access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> and the Crushers Club in Chicago,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://crushersclub.org/|title=Restore the Path. Rebuild the streets|work=crushersclub.org|access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> and the KidsTek<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kidstek.org/|title=KidsTek - Reach Higher Through Technology Education|work=kidstek.org|access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> program at [[Denver Public Schools]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130530005437/en/Westwood-College-Donations-Sponsorships-Area-High-Schools#.U0XIGMfTbA8 |title=Westwood College Provides Donations and Sponsorships at Area High Schools to Help Students Succeed |newspaper=BusinessWires|access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref>

===Curriculum===
Westwood College operated on a term schedule. Degree programs started five times a year, and courses were offered year-round during the day, evening, and online. Depending on the degree program in which they were enrolled, students could earn an [[associate degree]] in as little as 20 months or a [[bachelor's degree]] in three years.

Westwood College's degree programs were organized under six schools: School of Business, School of Design, School of Justice, School of Technology, School of Healthcare and Automotive Technology. Each campus had a different program focus and some programs were not available at certain locations, depending on the regional economic variables and demand.

New students were allowed to take classes for 30 days with no financial obligations. The school also offered an "Employment Pledge"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westwood.edu/why-westwood/pledge|title=Our Employment Pledge|website=Westwood College|access-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711205806/http://www.westwood.edu/why-westwood/pledge|archive-date=2015-07-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> to help eligible graduates financially if they were unable to find employment after graduation.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jordan |last=Steffen |date=14 March 2012 |title=Colorado Attorney General reaches settlement with Westwood, $2.5 million to be returned to students |url=http://www.denverpost.com/smart/ci_20172161/colorado-attorney-general-reaches-settlement-westwood-2-5|access-date=16 July 2015|newspaper=Denver Post}}</ref>

===Accreditation===
Westwood College's campus locations were nationally accredited by the [[Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools]] (ACICS).<ref name="ACICS - Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools">{{cite web|title=ACICS - Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools|date=October 12, 2010|access-date=2010-10-12|url=http://oedb.org/accreditation-agencies/acics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101016072521/http://oedb.org/accreditation-agencies/acics|archive-date=2010-10-16|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Inside Higher Ed article 1">{{cite web|author=Jaschik, Scott|title=Demanding Credit|website=Inside Higher Ed|date=October 19, 2005|access-date=2008-12-12|url=http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2005/10/19/transfer}}</ref><ref name="Inside Higher Ed article 2">{{cite web| author=Lederman, Doug|title=Tussling Over Transfer of Credit | publisher=Inside Higher ED|date=February 26, 2007|access-date=2008-12-12|url=http://insidehighered.com/news/2007/02/26/transfer}}</ref><ref name="Accreditation Differences">{{cite web |title=What is the difference between regional and national accreditation? | publisher=Yahoo! Help|date=n.d.|access-date=2008-10-12|url=http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/education/courses/distancelearn-09.html}}</ref><ref name="Types of Accreditation">{{cite web|title=Types of Accreditation | publisher=WorldWideLearn|date=n.d.|access-date=2010-10-13| url=http://www.worldwidelearn.com/accreditation/types-accreditation.htm}}</ref><ref name="ACICS Directory of Accredited Institutions">{{cite web|title=ACICS Directory of Accredited Institutions|date=June 1, 2010|access-date=2010-06-15|url=http://www.acics.org/uploadedFiles/Publications/06.01.10.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705011247/http://www.acics.org/uploadedFiles/Publications/06.01.10.pdf|archive-date=2010-07-05|url-status=dead}}</ref> Each campus was also approved to operate by the appropriate state regulatory bodies.<ref name="Westwood granted full accreditation">{{cite news| url=http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_17544133 | work=Denver Post | first=Yesenia | last=Robles | title=Colorado takes Westwood College off probation, grants full accreditation | date=2011-03-05}}</ref><ref name="TXandWImend">{{cite web |url=http://eab.state.wi.us/resources/directory.pdf |format=PDF |title=Wisconsin Directory of Private Postsecondary Schools |publisher=Eab.state.wi.us |access-date=2015-07-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205212/http://eab.state.wi.us/resources/directory.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-03 }}</ref><ref name="Westwood College Accreditation">{{cite web|title=Westwood College Accreditation|publisher=Westwood College|date=n.d.|access-date=2010-11-13|url=http://www.westwood.edu/why-westwood/accreditation/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207160135/http://www.westwood.edu/why-westwood/accreditation/|archive-date=2010-12-07|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Locations==
[[File:Westwood College Denver North Campus.jpg|thumb|Westwood College Denver North Campus]]

In addition to its Westwood College Online program, Westwood College had locations in:

*[[California]]: [[Anaheim, California|Anaheim]],<ref name="Westwood College - Anaheim">{{cite web |title=Westwood College - Anaheim Campus |date=n.d. |publisher=Westwood College |access-date=2008-01-14 |url=http://www.westwoodcollegecalifornia.com/westwood-anaheim.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108232433/http://www.westwoodcollegecalifornia.com/westwood-anaheim.htm |archive-date=2008-01-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Upland, California|Upland]],<ref name="Westwood College - Inland Empire">{{cite web |title=Westwood College - Inland Empire Campus info |date=n.d. |publisher=Westwood College |access-date=2008-01-14 |url=http://www.westwoodcollegecalifornia.com/westwood-inland-empire.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108232438/http://www.westwoodcollegecalifornia.com/westwood-inland-empire.htm |archive-date=2008-01-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Los Angeles]] ([[Mid-Wilshire]]),<ref name="Westwood College - Los Angeles">{{cite web |title=Westwood College - Los Angeles Campus |date=n.d. |publisher=Westwood College |access-date=2008-01-14 |url=http://www.westwoodcollegecalifornia.com/westwood-los-angeles.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102091015/http://westwoodcollegecalifornia.com/westwood-los-angeles.htm |archive-date=2008-01-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Los Angeles ([[South Bay, Los Angeles|South Bay]]).<ref name="Westwood College - South Bay">{{cite web |title=Westwood College - South Bay Campus |date=n.d. |publisher=Westwood College |access-date=2008-01-14 |url=http://www.westwoodcollegecalifornia.com/campus/south-bay |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227180256/http://westwoodcollegecalifornia.com/campus/south-bay |archive-date=2011-02-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref><!--Despite what the address says, the school is not in Torrance-->
*[[Colorado]]: [[Denver, Colorado|Denver]] North (unincorporated [[Adams County, Colorado|Adams County]])<ref name="Westwood College - Denver North">{{cite web |title=Westwood College in Colorado - Denver North |date=n.d. |publisher=Westwood College |access-date=2008-01-14 |url=http://www.westwoodcollegecolorado.com/westwood-denver-north.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080129181400/http://westwoodcollegecolorado.com/westwood-denver-north.htm |archive-date=2008-01-29 |url-status=dead }}</ref><!--the school is not in Westminster, nor is it in Denver--> and Denver South.<ref name="Westwood College - Denver South">{{cite web |title=Westwood College in Colorado - Denver South |date=n.d. |publisher=Westwood College |access-date=2008-01-14 |url=http://www.westwoodcollegecolorado.com/westwood-denver-south.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102105153/http://westwoodcollegecolorado.com/westwood-denver-south.htm |archive-date=2008-01-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref><!--the school is not in Sheridan-->
*[[Illinois]]: [[Chicago Loop]],<ref name="Westwood College - Chicago Loop">{{cite web |title=Westwood College in Chicago - Loop Campus |date=n.d. |publisher=Westwood College |access-date=2008-01-14 |url=http://www.westwoodcollegeillinois.com/westwood-chicago-loop.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121042721/http://westwoodcollegeillinois.com/westwood-chicago-loop.htm |archive-date=2008-01-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Woodridge, Illinois|Woodridge]] (DuPage),<ref name="Westwood College - DuPage">{{cite web |title=Westwood College in Chicago - DuPage Campus |date=n.d. |publisher=Westwood College |access-date=2008-01-14 |url=http://www.westwoodcollegeillinois.com/westwood-dupage.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121042726/http://www.westwoodcollegeillinois.com/westwood-dupage.htm |archive-date=2008-01-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[O'Hare International Airport|Chicago O'Hare Airport]],<ref name="Westwood College - O'Hare Airport">{{cite web|title=Westwood College in Chicago - O'Hare Airport Campus | date=n.d.|publisher=Westwood College | access-date=2008-01-14 |url=http://www.westwoodcollegeillinois.com/westwood-chicago-o-hare.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071229163513/http://www.westwoodcollegeillinois.com/westwood-chicago-o-hare.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-12-29}}</ref> and [[Calumet City, Illinois|Calumet City]] (River Oaks).<ref name="Westwood College - River Oaks">{{cite web |title=Westwood College in Chicago - River Oaks Campus |date=n.d. |publisher=Westwood College |access-date=2008-01-14 |url=http://www.westwoodcollegeillinois.com/westwood-river-oaks.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115121802/http://westwoodcollegeillinois.com/westwood-river-oaks.htm |archive-date=2008-01-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Texas]]: [[Dallas]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westwood.edu/locations/texas/dallas-campus/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527113854/http://www.westwood.edu/locations/texas/dallas-campus/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-05-27|title=Dallas Campus|publisher=Westwood College|date=2010-05-27|access-date=2019-11-14}}</ref> [[Fort Worth]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westwood.edu/locations/texas/fort-worth-campus/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527114112/http://www.westwood.edu/locations/texas/fort-worth-campus/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-05-27|title=Fort Worth Campus|publisher=Westwood College|date=2010-05-27|access-date=2019-11-14}}</ref> [[Houston]] ([[Arena Place]], [[Southwest Management District]])<ref>"[http://www.westwood.edu/locations/texas/houston-south-campus/ Houston South Campus] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527114000/http://www.westwood.edu/locations/texas/houston-south-campus/ |date=May 27, 2010 }}." Westwood College. Retrieved on April 24, 2010.</ref>
*[[Virginia]]: [[Annandale, Virginia|Annandale]] (unincorporated [[Fairfax County, Virginia|Fairfax County]])<ref name="Westwood College - Annandale">{{cite web |title=Westwood College in Virginia - Annandale Campus |date=n.d. |publisher=Westwood College |access-date=2008-01-14 |url=http://www.westwoodcollegevirginia.com/annandale.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112165141/http://westwoodcollegevirginia.com/annandale.html |archive-date=2008-01-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Arlington (unincorporated [[Arlington County, Virginia|Arlington County]]).<ref name="Westwood College - Arlington">{{cite web |title=Westwood College in Virginia - Arlington Campus |date=n.d. |publisher=Westwood College |access-date=2008-01-14 |url=http://www.westwoodcollegevirginia.com/arlington.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112165155/http://westwoodcollegevirginia.com/arlington.html |archive-date=2008-01-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Admissions and financial aid==
Prior to December 2015, Westwood had an open admissions policy.<ref name="nces">{{cite web|last=National Center for Education Statistics|title=College Navigator - Westwood College|access-date=2010-08-05|year=2008|url=http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Westwood+College&s=all&id=448628#admsns}}</ref> Applicants were eligible for both [[Pell grant]]s and [[National Student Loan Solutions|federal student loans]]. In an August 4, 2010 report from the [[Government Accountability Office]], Westwood College was named as one of 15 institutions that "encouraged fraudulent practices" when meeting with undercover investigators posing as applicants. Fraudulent practices cited in this report included encouraging applicants to overstate financial need and hide assets.<ref name="washpostGAO">{{cite news|issn=0740-5421|last=Vise|first=Daniel de|author2=Paul Kane |date=2010-08-05|title=GAO: 15 for-profit colleges used deceptive recruiting tactics|work=The Washington Post|access-date=2010-08-05|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/04/AR2010080403816.html?hpid=moreheadlines}}</ref>
During a congressional hearing to present the report, testimony by a former Westwood admissions representative provided a descriptive account of a "boiler-room" sales atmosphere that enrolled students who "would end up with a mountain of debt and little or nothing to show for it.".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Pruyn.pdf |title=Data |publisher=Senate.gov |access-date=2019-10-20}}</ref>

==Closure in 2016==
On November 12, 2015, Westwood suspended all enrollment citing poor enrollment and new government regulations.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clay|first=Joanna|title=Westwood College stops enrollment, Anaheim students left confused|date=2015-11-12|work=The Orange County Register}}</ref> On January 25, 2016, the school sent email to current and former students advising them that Westwood College would be closing its doors in March after the conclusion of the January 2016 term. The email also informed students of their options for transferring credits to partner schools as well as student loan information.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pagano|first=Lou|title="Important Announcement" email from Chief Operating Officer Lou Pagano|date=2016-01-25}}</ref> On March 29, 2016, Westwood officially acknowledged the closing of all 15 campuses, effective on March 8, 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gray|first=Albert|title=Westwood Acknowledgement of Campus Closures |url=http://www.westwood.edu/Westwood_Acknowledgement_of_Campus_Closures.pdf |date=2016-03-29 |access-date=2016-07-01 |publisher=Westwood College}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Distance education]]
*[[Distance education]]
*[[diploma mill]]
*[[Online education]]


==External links==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
*[http://www.westwood.edu/ Westwood College Of Technology]
*[http://www.westwoodonline.edu/ Westwood College Online]
*[http://www.westwoodcollegetexas.com/ Westwood College Texas]
*[http://www.westwoodcollegecolorado.com/ Westwood College Colorado]
*[http://www.westwoodcollegecalifornia.com/ Westwood College California]


==External links==
[[Category:Distance education schools]]
*[http://www.westwoodcollegefoundation.org/ Official website]
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[[Category:Defunct private universities and colleges in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Defunct private universities and colleges in Illinois]]
[[Category:Defunct private universities and colleges in Texas]]
[[Category:Defunct private universities and colleges in Virginia]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1953]]
[[Category:Educational institutions disestablished in 2016]]
[[Category:Former for-profit universities and colleges in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 23:35, 8 January 2025

Westwood College
TypePrivate for-profit college
Active1953–2016
Location
Southern California, Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, Westwood College Online
,
California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, and Virginia
,
United States

Westwood College was a private for-profit college owned by Alta Colleges Inc. with 15 campus locations in five states and online learning options. Westwood was nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).[1] Since its inception in 1986, Westwood graduated more than 37,000 students.[2][3] The college closed in March 2016.[4][5]

History

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Westwood College was founded in Denver, Colorado, in 1953. For many years, the school was known as Denver Institute of Technology, offering diploma and degree programs in a variety of technical fields. As the school expanded into other industries, the name was changed to Westwood College in 1997.

Westwood College became part of Alta Colleges Inc. (Alta), a system of for-profit higher education institutions that also included Westwood College Online and Redstone College (formerly known as Colorado Aero Tech in Denver). Prior to ceasing operations, there were 15 Westwood College campuses located in five states.

Issues and controversies

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2009 class action suit

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In May 2009, Westwood settled a federal lawsuit over misrepresentation of its graduation statistics for $7 million ($9.94 million in 2023), without admitting wrongdoing.[6]

Westwood faced a class action arbitration in 2009, challenging its admissions and financial aid practices. The suit against Westwood was dismissed after the court found that it did not warrant class action status. The court ruled that the student who led the class-action suit derived "most if not all, of his knowledge of the case from his attorneys" and appeared to be little more than a bystander to the suit.[7][8]

The Colorado Attorney General's office reached a settlement with the college in 2012, following a two-year investigation, in which the college did not admit any liability but agreed to pay $2 million ($2.65 million in 2023) in penalties, restitution, and attorneys fees and costs to the state. Westwood was also required to credit another $2.5 million ($3.32 million in 2023) in restitution directly to students who financed their tuition with the school's institutional financing program.[9]

2011 disqualification by Veterans administration

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In 2011, the Veterans Administration disqualified three Westwood College Campuses from the GI Bill Program. The VA took this step after finding, "erroneous, deceptive, and misleading advertising and enrollment practices at these institutions."[10] In late 2011, Westwood stopped enrolling students in their Texas campuses.

On January 18, 2012, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a lawsuit citing misleading job opportunities for Westwood's criminal justice program.[11] Westwood settled the suit in 2015 after failing to gain dismissal of the case. Westwood agreed to pay $15 million ($19.3 million in 2023) toward the loans of their criminal justice students.[12] Shortly thereafter the college ceased admitting new students[13] and announced that it would close in March 2016.[5] Westwood has acknowledged that in most cases its credits will not transfer to other colleges or universities.[14]

Academics

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Westwood College Online offered 25 degree programs. Coursework was completed entirely over the Internet via audio/visual technology designed to mimic an actual classroom. The virtual classrooms were supplemented with real textbooks.

Westwood College established partnerships with several public school districts to provide technology, support and money.[15] The partnerships include Atlanta Public Schools,[16] "A Better Chicago"[17] and the Crushers Club in Chicago,[18] and the KidsTek[19] program at Denver Public Schools.[20]

Curriculum

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Westwood College operated on a term schedule. Degree programs started five times a year, and courses were offered year-round during the day, evening, and online. Depending on the degree program in which they were enrolled, students could earn an associate degree in as little as 20 months or a bachelor's degree in three years.

Westwood College's degree programs were organized under six schools: School of Business, School of Design, School of Justice, School of Technology, School of Healthcare and Automotive Technology. Each campus had a different program focus and some programs were not available at certain locations, depending on the regional economic variables and demand.

New students were allowed to take classes for 30 days with no financial obligations. The school also offered an "Employment Pledge"[21] to help eligible graduates financially if they were unable to find employment after graduation.[22]

Accreditation

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Westwood College's campus locations were nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).[23][24][25][26][27][28] Each campus was also approved to operate by the appropriate state regulatory bodies.[29][30][31]

Locations

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Westwood College Denver North Campus

In addition to its Westwood College Online program, Westwood College had locations in:

Admissions and financial aid

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Prior to December 2015, Westwood had an open admissions policy.[47] Applicants were eligible for both Pell grants and federal student loans. In an August 4, 2010 report from the Government Accountability Office, Westwood College was named as one of 15 institutions that "encouraged fraudulent practices" when meeting with undercover investigators posing as applicants. Fraudulent practices cited in this report included encouraging applicants to overstate financial need and hide assets.[48] During a congressional hearing to present the report, testimony by a former Westwood admissions representative provided a descriptive account of a "boiler-room" sales atmosphere that enrolled students who "would end up with a mountain of debt and little or nothing to show for it.".[49]

Closure in 2016

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On November 12, 2015, Westwood suspended all enrollment citing poor enrollment and new government regulations.[50] On January 25, 2016, the school sent email to current and former students advising them that Westwood College would be closing its doors in March after the conclusion of the January 2016 term. The email also informed students of their options for transferring credits to partner schools as well as student loan information.[51] On March 29, 2016, Westwood officially acknowledged the closing of all 15 campuses, effective on March 8, 2016.[52]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "ACICS Member directory". Personify.acics.org. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  2. ^ "Westwood Graduate Stories". Westwoodcollegesuccess.com. Archived from the original on April 29, 2015. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  3. ^ "Westwood College; About us". Westwood.edu. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  4. ^ "Westwood College closing after freezing enrollment". The Denver Post. January 28, 2016. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  5. ^ a b "Westwood College Announces It Will Close In March". CBS4. January 27, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  6. ^ Mytelka, Andrew (April 20, 2009). "Proprietary College to Pay $7-Million to Settle Federal Student-Aid Charges". Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
  7. ^ "Corporate Counsel". law.com.
  8. ^ "Texas Judge Denies Class-Action Suit Against Westwood College Online Classes In Texas « CBS Dallas / Fort Worth". cbslocal.com.
  9. ^ "Colorado settles case with Westwood College". The Muscatine Journal. 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2012.[permanent dead link‍]
  10. ^ "Durbin: VA Disqualifies Three Westwood College Campuses from GI Bill Program". Dick Durbin site. United States Senate. Retrieved October 31, 2011.
  11. ^ "Topic Galleries". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on January 28, 2012. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  12. ^ "WESTWOOD COLLEGE TO FORGIVE $15M IN LOANS TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENTS". ABC 7. November 4, 2015. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  13. ^ Ashley A. Smith (December 8, 2015). "Fall of a For-Profit". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
  14. ^ "How Does Transferring College Credits Work? - Westwood College". Westwood.edu. Archived from the original on July 11, 2015. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  15. ^ "Westwood Partnerships". Westwood College. Archived from the original on July 11, 2015. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  16. ^ "Westwood College Provides Donations and Sponsorships at Area High Schools to Help Students Succeed". BusinessWires. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  17. ^ "Westwood College Partners with a Better Chicago and Crushers Club to Raise Money for Youth Programs". BusinessWires. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  18. ^ "Restore the Path. Rebuild the streets". crushersclub.org. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  19. ^ "KidsTek - Reach Higher Through Technology Education". kidstek.org. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  20. ^ "Westwood College Provides Donations and Sponsorships at Area High Schools to Help Students Succeed". BusinessWires. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  21. ^ "Our Employment Pledge". Westwood College. Archived from the original on July 11, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
  22. ^ Steffen, Jordan (March 14, 2012). "Colorado Attorney General reaches settlement with Westwood, $2.5 million to be returned to students". Denver Post. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
  23. ^ "ACICS - Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools". October 12, 2010. Archived from the original on October 16, 2010. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
  24. ^ Jaschik, Scott (October 19, 2005). "Demanding Credit". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
  25. ^ Lederman, Doug (February 26, 2007). "Tussling Over Transfer of Credit". Inside Higher ED. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
  26. ^ "What is the difference between regional and national accreditation?". Yahoo! Help. n.d. Retrieved October 12, 2008.
  27. ^ "Types of Accreditation". WorldWideLearn. n.d. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
  28. ^ "ACICS Directory of Accredited Institutions" (PDF). June 1, 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2010. Retrieved June 15, 2010.
  29. ^ Robles, Yesenia (March 5, 2011). "Colorado takes Westwood College off probation, grants full accreditation". Denver Post.
  30. ^ "Wisconsin Directory of Private Postsecondary Schools" (PDF). Eab.state.wi.us. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 3, 2016. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  31. ^ "Westwood College Accreditation". Westwood College. n.d. Archived from the original on December 7, 2010. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
  32. ^ "Westwood College - Anaheim Campus". Westwood College. n.d. Archived from the original on January 8, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
  33. ^ "Westwood College - Inland Empire Campus info". Westwood College. n.d. Archived from the original on January 8, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
  34. ^ "Westwood College - Los Angeles Campus". Westwood College. n.d. Archived from the original on January 2, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
  35. ^ "Westwood College - South Bay Campus". Westwood College. n.d. Archived from the original on February 27, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
  36. ^ "Westwood College in Colorado - Denver North". Westwood College. n.d. Archived from the original on January 29, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
  37. ^ "Westwood College in Colorado - Denver South". Westwood College. n.d. Archived from the original on January 2, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
  38. ^ "Westwood College in Chicago - Loop Campus". Westwood College. n.d. Archived from the original on January 21, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
  39. ^ "Westwood College in Chicago - DuPage Campus". Westwood College. n.d. Archived from the original on January 21, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
  40. ^ "Westwood College in Chicago - O'Hare Airport Campus". Westwood College. n.d. Archived from the original on December 29, 2007. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
  41. ^ "Westwood College in Chicago - River Oaks Campus". Westwood College. n.d. Archived from the original on January 15, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
  42. ^ "Dallas Campus". Westwood College. May 27, 2010. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  43. ^ "Fort Worth Campus". Westwood College. May 27, 2010. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  44. ^ "Houston South Campus Archived May 27, 2010, at the Wayback Machine." Westwood College. Retrieved on April 24, 2010.
  45. ^ "Westwood College in Virginia - Annandale Campus". Westwood College. n.d. Archived from the original on January 12, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
  46. ^ "Westwood College in Virginia - Arlington Campus". Westwood College. n.d. Archived from the original on January 12, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
  47. ^ National Center for Education Statistics (2008). "College Navigator - Westwood College". Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  48. ^ Vise, Daniel de; Paul Kane (August 5, 2010). "GAO: 15 for-profit colleges used deceptive recruiting tactics". The Washington Post. ISSN 0740-5421. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  49. ^ "Data" (PDF). Senate.gov. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  50. ^ Clay, Joanna (November 12, 2015). "Westwood College stops enrollment, Anaheim students left confused". The Orange County Register.
  51. ^ Pagano, Lou (January 25, 2016). ""Important Announcement" email from Chief Operating Officer Lou Pagano".
  52. ^ Gray, Albert (March 29, 2016). "Westwood Acknowledgement of Campus Closures" (PDF). Westwood College. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
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