Professional Career Development Institute, LLC

Also known as: Ashworth College.

The FTC alleged that Professional Career Development Institute, doing business as Ashworth College, misrepresented whether its online programs met career requirements and whether credits would transfer. The school agreed to settle.

1Official action

Resolved. Refunded, settled, ceased operating, or the claim did not hold up. Kept for the record.

Identity

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Registrations
FTC v. Professional Career Development Institute, LLC (FTC case 132-3225, 2015)
Jurisdictions
United States (federal)

The FTC alleged Ashworth misrepresented career outcomes and credit transfers

Professional Career Development Institute, LLC, doing business as Ashworth College, marketed online college degree and career-training programs. The FTC alleged that Ashworth told prospective students its programs would provide the training and credentials needed to change careers or obtain a new job, and that course credits would transfer to other schools.

According to the complaint, some programs did not meet state licensing board requirements for careers including real estate appraisal, home inspection, elementary education, and massage practice. The FTC also alleged that Ashworth lacked supporting data for its claim that other colleges and universities would accept its credits. Tuition ranged from hundreds to several thousand dollars, with payment required in full or through monthly payments. The school also accepted military benefits, including GI Bill payments.

The proposed stipulated order bars misrepresentations about vocational licensing, training and credentials, employment prospects, and credit recognition by other institutions. It includes an $11 million judgment that the document says is suspended based on the institution’s inability to pay. The complaint and proposed order were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on May 26, 2015.

What is not established

The supplied document describes FTC allegations and a proposed stipulated order. It does not describe findings reached after a trial.

Sources

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  1. Enforcement action May 26, 2015
    Ashworth College Settles FTC Charges it Misled Students About Career Training, Credit Transfers

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First recorded May 26, 2015 · Last updated May 26, 2015