Goodwin University — Attraction in East Hartford

November 2024 update I attended this school from 2016 to 2018 in the A.S. CNC Machining program. The one star in this review reflects professors that taught well.

The lack of stars in this review reflects two major issues. The first stems from incompetent and ineffective staff at the career resource center. One week I was provided guidance for resume writing. Then another time (in an office appointment) a woman said something quite different. This same woman also spoke down to me and did not listen to my thoughts and ideas when it was my turn to speak. She then claimed to have many years in HR. Yet considering how she communicated with me, that experience does not justify how she interacted with me.

The second issue stems from a below-average social experience. This one remains to this day hurtful as I, a Hispanic/Latino, was not included, not desired, nor sought out the same way other students were. I believe the reason(s) stem from being a new student outside pre-existing social circles, incompatible class schedules, and general personality differences. As a more mature adult now in 2024, this remains disappointing considering how open, diverse, and progressive the school was back then.

Lastly, examine the programs at G to see if they are double-credential oriented. This means degree + certification (and even require internships). I mention this because the CNC program did not mandate an internship. Consequently this lack of experience cannot be pursued anymore as well as hampered my ability to meet manufacturing job requirements.

Bottom line: If you don't mind the lengthy class times (up to 3 hours), course schedule challenges, and not having social opportunities, this is an expensive school. Otherwise go to a normal community college, earn your credits there, then transfer to a better school. Or start directly in a university rather...

Goodwin College ripped me off! I signed up for Medical Office Procedures Associate degree. I paid over $9,000 for an "education" that I could barely use. Books came late, a teacher stayed out of school for an extended amount of time, and the substitute didn't know diddly squat about the coursework. The student adviser told me that I could make up the course, but that the course would not be available for a another eight months. Needless to say, I didn't want to wait. The only other option for me was to take Environmental Science. (How useful!) There were no other options, I needed to be done, so I could start working. Ready to strangle them, I agreed to it, madder than provoked hornet. I had just conceived my first child, and I wasn't married. I had to get started, and fast. I do not recommend Goodwin College for an adequate education. I got a job at my childhood doctors office, after some scrutiny from the head office person, but I've known the doctor since I was 7. They hired me, but I was unable tot work the scheduling on the PC. If I were you, I would press on. It is now more than 10 years later, and I have refused to pay those jerks back more than the minimum amount due. I still owe $1600, but I don't care. As a child, I was sick with leukemia, and a year after I started working at the office, my kidneys failed. I got nothing for what I spent. Presently, I am looking toward the possibility of a career in finance; maybe I'll make back some of what I lost. Attended while Goodwn's sister facility in Milford was in the process of closing, and then transferred to Hartford. Transplant in 2007...

I first came to Goodwin for a Manufacturing Career Fair on August 2014. My plan going in was to improve/expand my professional network but after introducing myself to the two ladies at the front door, I was escorted to the admissions office. During this impromptu meeting I learned of their range of Manufacturing programs ranging from a Collegiate Certificate to Bachelor's Degrees.

The lady I met with was very nice so I decided to let her run through her whole pitch before refusing. After she finished running through her speech I was about to politely decline when my eyes fell upon a pamphlet detailing their Certificate in CNC Machining. My attitude switched from polite dismissal to serious consideration. By the time the holiday season was in force, I had officially enrolled.

From the Spring 2015 - Fall 2016 semesters, I experienced the most fulfilling education of my life. Classes tailored to my major were taught by professors with real-life experience in the manufacturing field. Knowledge gained from operating machines in the school's shop helped me secure my first manufacturing based job (which at the time of this review, I have been at for over a year). Around two weeks ago I walked in the 2017 Commencement with my CNC Certificate AND Associate's Degree (Summa Cum Laude!!!).

Making the choice to again become a student with Goodwin College is one I do not regret, in spite of my now increased loan debt. Looking for a quality education with real life application? This school should be on the top...