Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/22/2025

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I enrolled in the Business Administration course with Stratford Career Institute in September 2020. At the time, the advertising and enrollment materials gave the impression that I could try the program risk-free and would only be responsible for the portion of the course I completed if I chose not to continue. I completed only the first module before deciding the program was not suitable for me. However, Stratford is now holding me financially responsible for the full cost of the course, despite my limited participation. I only found this out recently while reviewing my credit record, as it was never communicated to me. This unexpected charge has been sent to collections and is negatively affecting my credit score. I consider this practice very misleading, especially since it contradicts the original impression given at the time of enrollment. I have email records that show the limited extent of my participation in the course and how at no point did they communicate the financial implication. I am considering taking legal action if my desired resolution cannot be reached.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/31/2025

  To whom it may concern,I am in receipt of your e-mail dated July 11, 2025, regarding a complaint filed by ***** ****** *****. Having reviewed Mr. *****’s file, I am pleased to provide the following information.Mr. ***** enrolled in our Business Management program on September 29, 2020 through our website, www.scitraining.com, at the tuition price of $1060.24 or 24 payments of $43.76 with an initial down payment of $10.00. At the time of enrollment, Mr. ***** was presented with the option of payment in full in the amount of $895.00 with the interest waived or monthly payments. Mr. ***** selected monthly payments. The first set of study material was issued to Mr. ***** on October 8, 2020 via Canada Post mail. As per the terms and conditions of the Tuition Contract & Service Agreement, along with the cancellation policy, that was provided to Mr. ***** at the time he submitted his online enrollment application, and on which his electronic signature is recorded indicating he agreed to the terms of said contract, a tuition payment was due every 30 days from the date of enrollment. No tuition payments were successfully received after November 2, 2020 despite several invoices and tuition reminders being sent to the mailing address on file. Mr. ***** completed two corresponding exam in his first module and a subsequent module was shipped on November 12, 2020. Mr. ***** contacted our Student Services department by e-mail on March 22, 2021 regarding payment arrangements for his outstanding balance however no further payment was received. He also indicated at that time that he was previously on a hiatus but was resuming his studies. A subsequent e-mail was received by our Student Services department on April 5, 2021 stating that payment for the outstanding balance would be paid by May 3, 2021.With no further payment received, the file was forwarded to an outside collection agency on May 3, 2021 for the outstanding balance of $1006.48 due to non-payment of her account. While the balance of $1006.48 is justified, as a gesture of goodwill, the file can be closed for the amount of $282.49. Mr. ***** is welcome to contact our Student Services department to make payment arrangements. Upon receipt of $282.49, the file will be closed and the collection agency will be notified accordingly.Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at 1-800-435-5338. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/05/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  ***** ****** *****
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/14/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On February 22nd 2025, I signed up for a 600 dollar dressmaking course at Stratford career institute. I opted to make payments rather than pay the lump sum, beginning with a 20 dollar down payment the same day, 2/22. I paid this fee with a credit card that is used solely for small purchases like gas, and I keep it at a zero balance. I signed up for auto pay so that I wouldn't miss the payments. On April 22nd 2025, a payment of 38.60 was successfully charged to my credit card. The next month, I received a letter stating that I missed a payment and my account was past due. I attempted to call the institute, despite working during their operating hours, and struggled for several days to find the right phone number and to navigate their phone system. Finally after several attempts, I reached an associate who said that my credit card was declined due to "insufficient funds" and insisted that I provide her with another card to make my payment. The problem is that this particular card never carries a balance of more than 50 dollars, I've been using that card with no problems since this issue started, and my online banking account shows no attempted charges by Stratford. At this point, I believe that this company is attempting to scam me by pretending that my card has declined so that I'll give them more card numbers. I received a letter dated July 1st 2025 that states that Stratford will be sending my account to their attorneys for the collection of $115.80 if I don't pay, but I refuse to give this scam company any more information. I also refuse to pay any fees, including late fees, that were assessed as a result of this issue. If it matters, this course is built so that they send out books one section at a time, and I have only received and paid for the first section. I do not want to pay for the entire course and I do not want to receive the rest of the course, I just want to be done with this horrible company.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/23/2025

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated July 15, 2025, regarding a complaint filed by ******** ******. Having reviewed Ms. ******’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. ****** enrolled in our Sewing & Dressmaking program on February 22, 2025 through our website, ******************* at the discounted tuition price of $629.00 or 15 monthly payments of $38.60 with a down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Ms. ****** on February 24, 2025 to the address provided on her enrollment application. According to our records and the attached Enrollment Agreement, Ms. ****** provided her authorization to process a tuition payment with the **** Card provided every 30 days from the date of enrollment for the amount of $38.60. While students may take up to 5 years to complete a program with SCI, tuition payments are due every 30 days from the date of enrollment until the account is paid in full. The first tuition payment of $38.60 was attempted with the Visa Card information on file on March 24, 2025 however it was declined on three occasions and a $30.00 fee was applied to her account for the returned payment. No further automatic payments were attempted. Ms. ****** subsequently contacted our Student Services department on April 22, 2025 to remit a payment of $38.60, which was successfully processed and applied to her account. The $30.00 bank fee was removed on April 23, 2025. No further tuition payments were received. In an effort to bring the account up to date, numerous payment reminders were issued to Ms. ****** with no reply. Students may discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI. Cancellation policies are included in the Service Guarantee that is issued to every Stratford Student and cancellation requests may be sent by any method including by mail, e-mail or telephone. Upon review of Ms. ******’s file, no cancellation request was received by any method.Although no cancellation request was received and the account was in arrears, I have authorized our Accounts Department to close Ms. ******’s file and waive the remaining account balance. The collection agency has been notified accordingly. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Se

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/23/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  ******** ******
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/16/2025

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I want to finish the program free of charge and want my credit report update to reflect paid I had some life situations that stopped me after 2 years in to this program to still see this on my credit report and balance due
  So I started paying again then I found out they made this diploma seem real but it's not it's considered fake
  
  Or I want my 224.72$ back plus 275.28 $ pain and suffering for a lie and all them exams=500,$ and this off my credit report or updated correctly
  
  3rd option if I could of gotten my transcripts but I have tried and accredited credits I could transfer where i can start where I am with a real accredited school but SCI credits are not recognized or I can still receive my diploma under the flyers I got that says this is equal to a high school diploma under the time when I enrolled
  
  I did not receive information about the settlement agreement in any form
  My address i recently updated and phone number with SCI but I recently moved and gotten a better phone plan I've attached to file

  Business Response

  Date: 03/31/2025

  I am
  in receipt of your e-mail dated March 16, 2025, regarding a complaint filed by *****
  ********. Having reviewed Ms. ********’ files, I am pleased to provide the
  following information.Ms. ******** enrolled in our High School program
  on February 23, 2012. The initial cost of the program was $689.00, payable in 18
  equal monthly installments of $37.72 with a down payment of $10.00.  The High School program consists of 18 modules
  and 66 corresponding exams. Ms. ******** successfully completed 47
  corresponding exams as of August 1, 2014.  Included with the first module was the course
  syllabus, detailing the contents and subject matter for each module in the
  program.  Within the syllabus, the
  following disclaimer is included:“Please
  Note that although this program offers a comprehensive range of subject
  matter, that it is not, nor intended to be, a substitute for state sponsored
  High School and GED programs. Particular schools and employers may not
  recognize completion of this program as high school equivalency.”This information is also available on our
  website, ******************* in the FAQ section, and is
  accessible at all times through eService which is an online platform that
  students may register for free of charge. This online platform contains a wide
  variety of services available such as online payment, unofficial transcripts
  and exam submission. According to our records, Ms. ******** is registered for
  eService and submitted the majority of her exams utilizing this online
  platform.Students may discontinue their studies at
  any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI. All students are given 5
  calendar days in which to evaluate their program and first study package.
  Cancellation policies are included in the Service
  Guarantee that is issued to every Stratford Student and cancellation
  requests may be sent by any method including by mail, e-mail or telephone. Upon
  review of Ms. ******** file, no cancellation request was received by any method.I have reviewed all correspondence and
  notes in Ms. ********’ file and noted that the student was advised on January
  11, 2016 by telephone that the file was forwarded to an outside collection
  agency on September 16, 2014for the outstanding balance $497.03. Information on
  how to resume was provided at that time, as well as several subsequent
  instances by phone and e-mail, up to and including August 1, 2024. The course
  can be re-activated upon receipt of $494.28, which includes a $30.00
  re-activation fee.While we
  acknowledge Ms. ********’ complaint, SCI has not misrepresented the program at
  any time and no refund is applicable. Should you require additional
  information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####.
  Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until
  3:30pm on Fridays. Sincerely, Brandi H***SupervisorStudent Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/03/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.They stated this to be the same as high school diploma when I first enrolled but I see. Now it's different terms now that they are not the same i would have not enrolled in that school I did the work because of terms not that they would change and they are not accredited company needs to remove themselves from my credit and refund my $ there was a lawsuit against them I just found out about. I never got contacted.
  Regards,
  
  D ********

  Business Response

  Date: 04/14/2025

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated April 3, 2025, regarding a complaint filed by ***** ********. Having reviewed Ms. ********’ files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Unfortunately no alternative arrangements are available and we would encourage Ms. ********’ to reach out to the FTC directly if she was not previously contacted regarding any potential settlement.As previously stated, the course can be re-activated upon receipt of $494.28, which includes a $30.00 re-activation fee.While we again acknowledge Ms. ********’ complaint, SCI has not misrepresented the program at any time and no refund is applicable. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays. Sincerely, Brandi H***SupervisorStudent Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/04/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I signed up to take a course several years ago and only paid the first payment. I only logged into it one time. It just wasn't a good fit for me. I inquired about cancelation but got no response. I'm really surprised to see this on my credit report all these years later. I never completed an assignment. Can they please take this off my credit report?

  Business Response

  Date: 02/18/2025

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated February 5, 2025, regarding a complaint filed by ***** ********. Having reviewed Ms. ********’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. ******** enrolled in our Medical Billing Specialist program on ***** 20, 2020 through our website, *******************, at the discounted tuition price of $499.00 or 15 payments of $31.93 with an initial down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Ms. ******** on ***** 20, 2020 in a digital format as per her selection on her enrollment application.During the online enrollment process, Ms. ******** was presented with the Tuition Contract & Service Guarantee which contains our cancellation policy. As outline in the cancellation policy, a student may cancel within the first 5 days of enrollment with no cancellation fees. The cancellation request may be submitted in writing via e-mail, fax or mail. Alternatively a student may contact our Student Services department to cancel by telephone.Ms. ******** contacted our Student Services department by telephone on May 15, 2020, to request the cancellation of her program. Her program was subsequently cancelled and a cancellation fee of $79.80 was applicable as per the terms and conditions of the Tuition Contract & Service Guarantee. A letter confirming the cancellation, along with a breakdown of the cancellation fees, was issued to the mailing address on file on May 20, 2020. A subsequent reminder was sent on June 9, 2020. Neither letter was returned to our office nor was there any further communication received from Ms. ********, verbal or written.  The file was eventually forwarded to an outside collection agency for the amount of $79.80 on July 16, 2020.Although Ms. ******** requested the cancellation of her program beyond the first 5 days of enrollment, I have authorized our Accounts Department to close Ms. ********’s file and waive the remaining account balance. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/20/2024

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I enrolled in a Computer Repair course on 12/1/24. I took the 3 exams for the 1st module on 12/4/24. My next module was supposed to be sent as soon as I took the 2nd exam. It has not been sent yet. I have contacted them 4 times concerning this. They responded last week (12/13/24) telling me that the module would be sent to me this week, it has not been sent. If they cannot fulfill their contract with me, that is breach of contract. As of today, it has been over 2 weeks since my next module should have been sent to me.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/06/2025

  
  I am in receipt
  of your e-mail dated December 23, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******* *******. Having reviewed Mr. *******’s files, I
  am pleased to provide the following information.
  Mr. ******* enrolled in our PC Repair program
  on December 1, 2024 through our website, ******************** at the discounted
  tuition price of $499.00 and provided payment in full at the time of enrollment.
  The first set of study material was issued to Mr. ******* in a digital format
  as per Mr. *******’s selection during his enrollment.
  Mr. ******* initially contacted our
  Student Services department by e-mail on December 6, 2024 to advise he
  completed his first module and inquired when his second module would be issued.
  As per SCI’s policy, the subsequent module in any student’s program is issued
  automatically once the next to last exam in the current module has been
  submitted for grading, provided the account remains in good standing. Upon
  review of Mr. *******’s file, the second module in the PC Repair program has
  been updated however due to an unfortunate technical issue, the module was not
  shipped. Our IT department has been notified and are diligently working to
  resolve this issue.
  
  Once the technical issue has been
  resolved, the module will be expedited and Mr. ******* will be notified by
  e-mail. We offer our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience this delay has
  caused. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me
  toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through
  Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays. 
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Brandi H***
  Supervisor
  Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/05/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased the couse on 11/27/2024, $499. $20. Down payment and Monthly payments of $32.
  When I signed up I specifically ask to confirm with the rep when they ship the 1st of 6 text books to send it via my partners name. He confirmed, absolutely no problem. Was sent to me from said rep: **** ****** C/O ***** *****. ***** has lived in his home for almost 30 years. We receive weekly packages never a problem.
  His name is on the mail box, hence the C/O with my name.
  
  Problem: followed and waited on the package, and it was returned to sender.
  Post Office reached out to confirm this issue and told me there should be no reason for mix up and or charge if return to sender, we spoke yesterday.
  3 times I've called back to have them resend, I was informed I had to pay $30. to reship, so I canceled, now they want to charge me a cancelation fee $75. for an invisible product I never received and refuse to let me speak to a supervisor. I consider thief!
  
  solution: I was told via email to change the account to my partner name, as you can see this completely defeats the point of registering for a course to get thier company certification in my name.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/12/2024

  I am in receipt
  of your e-mail dated December 7, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by **** ******. Having reviewed Ms. ******’s files, I
  am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. ****** enrolled in our Drafting
  With AutoCAD program on November 21, 2024 through our Admissions department, at
  the deeply discounted tuition price of $499.00 or 15 payments of $31.93 with an
  initial down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Ms.
  ****** on November 27, by USPS Priority Post to the address provided by Ms.
  ****** upon enrollment. An e-mail containing the tracking information was
  issued to the e-mail address provided by Ms. ****** on November 27, 2024 as per
  standard procedure.According to the attached USPS tracking
  information, the module was returned as ‘Addressee Unknown’ on November 30,
  2024. Ms. ****** contacted our Student Services department by telephone on December
  2, 2024 to advise us that the module was returned to our offices and requested
  that it be re-shipped. As per Stratford Career Institute’s policy, a $30.00 fee
  is applicable to re-ship material that has been returned to our offices. Ms.
  ******’s file was verified and the student confirmed the address on file was
  correct however Ms. ****** declined to pay the shipping fee. As there was no
  error in shipping the material, the fee cannot be waived. An e-mail was issued
  to Ms. ******’s e-mail address advising the student of our shipping policy and
  a copy of the USPS tracking information was provided to her for review. Ms.
  ****** was advised to contact her local Post Office for more information as it
  was her mail carrier that marked the original shipment as ‘Addressee Unknown’.  Unfortunately,
  even with the tracking information presented, Ms. ****** declined to
  investigate further with her mail carrier and maintained that the address on
  file was correct. Ultimately, Ms. ****** opted to cancel by e-mail on December
  4, 2024 since her request to re-ship the material at no charge was declined. Unfortunately
  no refund was applicable as the cancellation request was received past the
  first 5 days of enrollment. This information is located in the tuition contract
  which is also attached for Ms. ******’s review.Although there was clearly no error in
  shipping by Stratford Career Institute, I have authorized our Accounts
  Department to close Ms. ******’s file and waive the remaining account balance.  Should you require additional information,
  please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are
  from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on
  Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H** Supervisor Student Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/19/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  Hi John, thank you for your response yesterday, as I mentioned my reason for canceling was simply I never received my textbook delivery. I immediately tried next day of said delivery to  connec with the post office, they recorded my claim and said someone would contact me. Once the Postmaster called, they confirmed it was sent back to sender for unknown occupant and to no fault of my own.  We receive packages, mail all the time. My partner ***** ***** has been living there for 30 years,  and I for almost 7 years now. Starton would not reason with me, and I truly just want to take the course. I did not want to cancel. Ironically, they sent me the bill for the cancelation fee and I received it no problem they addressed it exactly how they mailed the package to me. Perhaps you can help with mitigating this issue, so that I might have the opportunity to continue service with them. Please let me know when you have heard from them. Thank you for your time,**** ****** ###-###-####    

  Business Response

  Date: 12/19/2024

  I am in receipt
  of your e-mail dated December 19, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by **** ******. Having reviewed Ms. ******’s files, I
  am pleased to provide the following information.As per our previous response, Ms.
  ******’s file has been closed with no balance owed. Should Ms. ****** wish to
  resume the AutoCAD program, the fee of $30.00 to re-ship the material will
  remain applicable and she is welcome to contact our Student Services department
  to make payment arrangements.Should you require additional information,
  please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are
  from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on
  Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/17/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Made a payment to the Stratford Career institute that cleared my bank on October 6th and the amount of 3363 October 17th I received a letter stating that the payment did not go through due to internal error and that I owed 3363 along with a $30 administrative fee upon looking at my account it said a $30 Bank fee but my bank cleared the payment and they have received it and they received it before the letter was even sent out

  Business Response

  Date: 10/18/2024

  I am in receipt
  of your e-mail dated October 17, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by August
  **********. Having reviewed ****** **********’s file,
  I am pleased to provide the following information.****** ********** enrolled in our Legal
  Assistant/Paralegal program on ****** 29, 2024 through our website, *******************, at the discounted
  tuition price of $524.50 or 15 payments of $33.63 with an initial down payment
  of $20.00. As per the online enrollment application, ****** **********
  authorized 15 monthly payments of $33.63 with the ****** **** information
  provided for the $20.00 down payment. Tuition payments are due every 30 days
  from the date of enrollment. As per ****** **********’s authorization on the
  enrollment application, a payment of $33.63 was attempted with the ****** ****
  on September 30, 2024 however it was rejected. A second attempt, as per SCI’s
  policy, was attempted on October 4, 2024 for the same amount, $33.63. The
  payment attempt was ultimately returned as ‘Insufficient Funds’ and a $30.00
  NSF fee was applied to the account. An online payment of $33.63, made
  through ****** **********’s e-Service account, was subsequently received on
  October 7, 2024. I have authorized our Accounts department to remove the $30.00
  NSF and an updated financial statement has been sent by e-mail to the e-mail
  address on the student’s file.Going forward, we would encourage August
  ********** to contact our Student Services department directly regarding any
  questions or concerns with their account and an Instructor will be happy to
  assist.Should you require additional information,
  please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are
  from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on
  Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/18/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ****** **********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/07/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  The date the transaction occured was sometime in August of 2023. I do not have an exact date because it was over a year ago. Basically, I was interested in a creative writing program, but I was a victim of fraud and my credit cards were closed for my protection. Stratford were not able to charge me so they never sent my materials. They claimed to have sent them, but I never received them. They never called me about my program so I thought the charges didn't come through due to my cards being closed down. They never contacted me, but sent me straight to collections. I explained to the rep that I no longer was interested in the coursework as a year had nearly passed. Their rep was very empathetic and said he would take care of it. However that never happened. I kept receiving harassing calls from the company to either continue with the course or pay a cancellation fee for a course I did not need. I want to stop being harassed and I want my credit report fixed and updated.
  
  I have completed more than one program with them and even recommended them to other colleagues. I am very disappointed at their inflexibility and methods to unfairly extort money from me. I can't remember if the $30 deposit they asked for went through because I had to shut my ATM card around the same time; I'd like that back if possible as I received no services OR materials from them.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/11/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated October 8, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******* ***********. Having reviewed Ms. ***********’ files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. *********** enrolled in our Writing Stories For Children program on August 21, 2023 through our website, *******************, at the discounted tuition price of $499.00 or 15 payments of $31.93 with an initial down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Ms. *********** August 23, 2023 via USPS Priority Post mail. As per the attached tracking information, this first shipment was successfully delivered on August 25, 2023 to the address provided by Ms. *****. As per the terms and conditions of the Tuition Contract & Service Agreement that was provided to Ms. *********** at the time she submitted her online enrollment application, and on which her electronic signature is recorded indicating she agreed to the terms of said contract, a tuition payment was due every 30 days from the date of enrollment. No tuition payments were successfully received despite several invoices and tuition reminders being sent to the mailing address on file.No correspondence or telephone calls were received from Ms. *********** until June 28, 2024 at which time she contacted our Student Services department to inquire about receiving telephone calls from a collection agency. It was explained to Ms. *********** that her file was forwarded to an outside collection agency on March 18, 2024 for the outstanding balance of $509.00 due to non-payment of her account. Information was also provided at that time on how to re-activate her file however no payments were subsequently received. While the balance of $509.00 is justified, as a gesture of goodwill, the file can be closed for the amount of $149.80. Ms. *********** is welcome to contact our Student Services department to make payment arrangements. Upon receipt of $149.80, the file will be closed and the collection agency will be notified accordingly.Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

  Business Response

  Date: 10/17/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated October 17, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******* ***********. Having reviewed Ms. ***********’ files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. *********** enrolled in our Writing Stories For Children program on August 21, 2023 through our website, ******************* and provided the mailing address that is currently on file, **** ******** **** *** *** in Downey, CA. As per the previously attached the enrollment application, the address provided was submitted by Ms. *********** as per the automated process. No manual or system intervention occurred, contrary to Ms. ***********’ statement.Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/17/2024

  Dear Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.I have paid over $1000 buying programs from Stratford, and never had a complaint. In 2023, I never received the materials and that is a fact. I didn't receive any services from them and that is a fact too. They are set on making me pay for something I didn't receive and are taking a punitive stance rather than working with me to resolve this in a fair and empathetic manner. I teach high school seniors and have referred many graduates to them. Business relationships are about creating win-win situations.This is unfortunate because I had planned on continuing my education with them in my future endeavors, but after this horrible experience I will never buy any future programs from them. I will also no longer refer my graduating seniors to them. We are the largest high school in California and the 2nd largest high school in the nation; we were the last high school in the United States to go traditional and leave the multi-track system. I am a National Board Certified teacher and was department chair for 9 years; I have never encountered in my 27 years of teaching such an unyielding institution.My score is now at a 680 when it was in the 700s. I won't BUY my score; this company wants to extort me into either buying their program or paying them a fee to buy my credit back. This is not going to happen as they mailed it to the wrong address. They had my correct address in 2021 when I completed my Business Management program.I have paid everyone of my bills and creditors 100% of the time and that is indicated on my credit report. My credit will go back up next year when I pay off my car loan among other things, but my memory of Stratford Career Institute will remain a negative one, and this unlike my score will be unchanging. I now understand why and I quote Google in stating: "Stratford Career Institute is not accredited by any recognized educational agency in the United States or Canada." This says a lot and then some when your own country does not recognize you as an educational institution. I no longer need the services Business Better Bureau in trying to resolve this conflict with Stratford. Thank you for your efforts.Respectfully,
  
  ******* ***********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/09/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was supposed to be sent educational materials. When I enrolled in April. After about 30 days I called in to ask about the status of my educational material. They advised that they already sent it and it was signed for. I work from home and I have never received let alone signed for anything. I asked that it be sent again and they guaranteed that they would send the materials and I would have to sign for it and after waiting over a month I called about not getting the materials. I advised a representative from Stratford that I would like to withdraw from the course due to not getting the materials. I was advised that I had signed for the materials and I advised that I had never signed for anything. They advised they would try to get me refunded for my deposit but there was no guarantee and I would get an email about it. Instead of getting an email I got a letter stating I owe the total $485.00 for the course but how could they be charging me for something I never got!

  Business Response

  Date: 08/15/2024

  
  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated August 12, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******* *****. Having reviewed Ms. *****’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.
  
  Ms. ***** enrolled in our Florist/Floral Design program on April 29, 2024 through our website, *******************, at the discounted tuition price of $475.00 or 13 payments of $30.33 with an initial down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Ms. Harmon on May 1, 2024 via USPS Priority Post mail. As per the attached tracking information, this first shipment was successfully delivered on May 4, 2024 to the address provided by Ms. *****. 
  
  Ms. ***** subsequently contacted our Student Services department by telephone on May 23, 2024 to advise that she did not receive the first shipment of material. The mailing address on file was verified and confirmed by Ms. ***** and as an exception, a second shipment of the first module was sent at no charge via USPS, signature-required. I have attached the tracking information for this second shipment which shows the module was successfully delivered on June 1, 2024 and signed for by ‘M. *****’.
  
  Ms. ***** contacted our Student Services department by telephone on June 26, 2024 to cancel the program, claiming she did not receive either shipment of the first module.  The student was advised at that time that the full balance of the account would become immediately due and payable as her account was in arrears. This policy corresponds to the Tuition Contract & Service Agreement that was provided to Ms. ***** at the time she submitted her online enrollment application and on which her electronic signature is recorded indicating she agreed to the terms of the contract. 
  
  Unfortunately no refund is applicable however as a gesture of goodwill, the file can be closed for the amount of $105.00. Ms. ***** is welcome to contact our Student Services department to make payment arrangements.
  
  Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Brandi H***
  Supervisor 
  Student Servic
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/06/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  To whom it may concern, I ******* ******* is filing. Complaint on Stratford career institute because I process a test and use the wrong exam number and it es a mistake and I wrote to them also about it. It was for funeral services course and they don’t check the exams and I also see other people’s complaints.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/15/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated August 6th, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******* *******. Having reviewed Ms. *******’ file, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. ******* enrolled in our Funeral Service Education program on May 1st, 2021 at the discounted tuition price of $688.87 or 19 monthly payments of $35.73 with a $10.00 down payment.  The program consists of 5 modules and 16 corresponding lessons. Ms. ******* has completed the first three exams in the first module with an overall average grade of 54%. The minimum passing overall average to be eligible for the diploma upon completion is 70%. According to our records, Ms. ******* failed the first attempt of each of the three exams submitted to date. As per school policy, when a student receives a score of less than 70% on the first attempt a second attempt is permitted. The maximum score possible for a second attempt is 70%, which is a passing grade. Ms. ******* has submitted a second attempt of the first and third exam however no second attempt of the second exam has been received. All attempts were submitted through our online platform, eService. As exams are not proctored, all submissions received via eService are considered final. I have reviewed all attempts of each exam submitted to date, which I have attached for Ms. *******’ review and noted that there are no duplicate submissions. Additionally the answers submitted for each exam do not appear to correspond to any other exam, which may have been submitted in error. Ms. ******* is welcome to review her answers for the second exam, CJB1B2, and submit the second attempt at her convenience. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services