Castleton University Offers Expedited Admissions to Education Corporation of America Students

Qualified students will receive in-state tuition rate for online or traditional delivery.

CASTLETON, VT (12/07/2018) Castleton University, part of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS), will offer expedited transcript evaluations and the in-state tuition rate for students who have been displaced as a result of the closing of Education Corporation of America (ECA) schools.

Earlier this week, the Alabama-based for-profit college chain, which operates more than 70 campuses across the country, primarily under the names Virginia College and Brightwood College, said it would be shutting down nearly all of its schools after losing accreditation, leaving nearly 20,000 students with partially completed degrees.

"It is our intention to help as many qualified students as possible fulfill their goals and complete their degree requirements," said Castleton University President Dr. Karen M. Scolforo. "By making this opportunity affordable and accessible to these displaced students, we can help keep them on track and offer a measure of hope in what no doubt must feel like a hopeless situation."

Students who apply to transfer from one of the ECA schools will receive an expedited transcript evaluation and many may also benefit from the VSCS Credit for Prior Learning program which awards college credits for previous work and life experiences. Upon acceptance, students will be able to complete their degree in a comparable program at the Vermont in-state tuition rate of $11,184 per year, making the transition from an ECA school both seamless and affordable.

According to Dr. Scolforo, Castleton is poised to offer both traditional and online programs to aid in a smooth transfer process. "Our offerings align very well with the career-focused goals of the mostly non-traditional students we expect to serve. Whether these students seek to complete their degrees online or wish to explore new opportunities surrounded by the beauty of Vermont, we stand ready to serve them."

Castleton offers similar programs to those offered at Education of America schools, including Business Administration, Nursing, Computer Information Systems, and more. Castleton University offers online courses in nursing, athletic training, accounting, marketing, arts administration, and communication.

Castleton will begin accepting applications from ECA students immediately. According to the ECA website, it will be posting more information, including how to request transcripts, on its website beginning December 17.

For more information students are encouraged to visit castleton.edu/admissions or contact the Castleton University office of admissions directly at 800-639-8521 or by email at info@castleton.edu.