If you are a former student of an institution of higher education (college, university, seminary) that has recently closed, information that is specific to your institution is available in the following notices:
Cabrini University officially closed on June 28, 2024. Information about the closure and resources are available at Cabrini's closure website.
On July 1, 2024, Clarks Summit University announced its intent to begin the process of closure. Information about the closure and resources are available at the Clarks Summit University website.
Hussian College - Philadelphia closed effective May 26, 2023. The following information is provided to assist students with plans for continuing their education.
Official transcripts can be ordered from Verif-y at https://transcripts.verif-y.com. If Verif-y is unable to locate your records, please contact ra-highereducation@pa.gov for assistance.
The United States Department of Education – Federal Student Aid has provided a fact sheet (PDF) and offers opportunities for students to apply for a closed school loan discharge. Additional information is available at Has Your School Closed? Here's What to Do. Other resources are available on the Closed School Discharge page and the Borrower Defense Loan Discharge webpage.
Students who have received veteran benefits should visit the Department of Veterans Affairs at Restoration of Benefits After School Closure.
Additional resources: HUSSIAN COLLEGE – Nashville, Mufreesboro, Clarksville, and Online Instruction
Pittsburgh Technical College (PTC) will close effective August 9, 2024. The following information is provided to assist students with plans for continuing their education.
Official transcripts can be ordered from Point Park University's transcript ordering page.
Information from PTC regarding teach-out plans and financial aid can be found on the college's closure announcement page.
The United States Department of Education – Federal Student Aid offers opportunities for students to apply for a closed school loan discharge. Additional information is available at Has Your School Closed? Here's What to Do. Other resources are available on the Closed School Discharge page and the Borrower Defense Loan Discharge webpage.
Students who have received veteran benefits should visit the Department of Veterans Affairs at Restoration of Benefits After School Closure.
The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, has announced closure effective June 7, 2024. The institution lost accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) effective June 1, 2024.
Transcripts can be ordered from the National Student Clearinghouse Transcript Ordering Center
Students are urged to contact PDE at ra-highereducation@pa.gov for assistance and for help with any questions.
As the situation unfolds, PDE encourages students to visit the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages:
The United States Department of Education – Federal Student Aid offers opportunities for students to apply for a closed school loan discharge.
Additional information is available below:
- Has Your School Closed? Here's What to Do
- Closure of the University of the Arts (PA): Fact Sheet
- Closed School of Discharge
- Borrower Defense Loan Discharge
Students who have received veteran benefits should visit the Department of Veterans Affairs at Restoration of Benefits After School Closure
FAQs from Students
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is hosting a webinar for students on June 14th, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to discuss student options related to this closure. Representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), the United States Department of Education (USDE), and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will also participate to discuss the implications. Information on financial aid and borrower defense claims will be covered during this meeting. Further information regarding borrower defense claims can be found at:
The University of the Arts is in the process of adding this information to their website. A webinar was hosted by MSCHE on June 6, 2024, with all interested teach-out partners to explain the expectations of the institutions accepting UArts students.
Currently, teach-out institutions can be found at University of the Arts Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Middle States Commission on Higher Education (msche.org).
24 P.S. § 6502 (b) (1) requires an institution to have a minimum protective endowment of at least $500,000. This is to be utilized to return unearned tuition funds to students.
The University of the Arts stated today that they are working on returning funds to students who made payments for upcoming semesters.
24 P.S. § 6502 (b) (1) requires an institution to have a minimum protective endowment of at least $500,000. This is to be utilized to return unearned tuition funds to students. Interpretation has not been that this would be used to forgive private student loans.
Private loans are not included in loan forgiveness or borrower's defense claims offered by the USDE.
No. This decision is final.
UArts has identified and worked with at-risk students to maintain housing over the summer. If students have additional concerns, they should contact the UArts call center at 888-546-3819.
It is recommended for students to reach out to UArts at 888-546-3819 to discuss their situation. UArts can work with teach out partners to assist in accommodating a student's needs. A response can be expected within 48 hours.
It is hopeful that students who have a signed lease will be able to continue their education at a teach out institution located in the same geographical area. For a list of teach out partners, please visit University of the Arts Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Middle States Commission on Higher Education (msche.org).
Transcripts from the closed Art Institute campuses can be ordered from the Art Institutes' Transcript Ordering Center or from the central repository Transcripts | Verif-y.com. If neither site is able to locate your records, please contact the Division of Higher Education, Access, and Equity at ra-highereducation@pa.gov for assistance.
Students who attended a postsecondary career or trade school (Private Licensed School) that has closed can obtain academic records from the school's records repository. The repository for your school's records can be found in the Closed School Records list.
For other closed institutions of higher education, please contact the Division of Higher Education, Access, and Equity at RA-HigherEducation@pa.gov to obtain information on the records.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education does not hold copies of academic transcripts or provide education verifications.