Anyone file Borrower Defense (non-sweet) over misleading graduate program claims?
I’m filing for Borrower Defense after thinking about it for years and wondering what approvals/denials are looking like lately. I attended a private graduate design program in the late 2000s and left with nearly $200k in federal loans. I was heavily encouraged into the more expensive path and led to believe it would provide stronger career outcomes, industry access, and placement opportunities. I graduated with honors, built close relationships with faculty, won scholarships and did everything I was supposed to do. But when it came time to actually build a career, the “connections” and support the school emphasized really did not materialize in the way they were presented. At one point, when I expressed concerns about the debt and whether I should continue, I was persuaded to stay. I do have documentation and written materials supporting a lot of this.
Years later, I honestly believe experience and networking mattered far more than the degree itself. Despite working consistently and paying massive amounts toward interest over the years, the balance continued growing anyway. I’ve accepted IBR at this point, but I still feel deeply misled about the financial outcome versus what was promised.
Curious if anyone with similar experiences has seen movement on their BD applications recently.