Thomas Jefferson University East Falls Campus — Local services in Philadelphia

"As a parent and the financial supporter of my student I feel the entire admissions/sales process was misleading. I believe for the specific Major my student chose most of their statements and even written information and verbal indications simply did not apply. I am sure if a student is enrolled there because of a sports scholarship or possibly a very specific degree for which PhilaU has had some long term, documented success with, possibly there would be smaller issues. I feel entirely ripped off and I am pursuing other avenues for investigation. My student simply did not receive what we paid for, possibly due to the Major she chose (with guidance from admissions). The just are not ready to offer Fashion Industry Management Specifically and equally compared to other Majors they offer. I believe they simply do not have their graduating students set up for success in this...too new of a program. FIM (Fashion Industry Management). The opportunities that were available to other students and majors were simply not available to our student, therefore it makes the experience disappointing and unfulfilling and doomed for success. There were many excuses however the bottom line is all opportunities including internships in their specific major and the study abroad opportunities should be available equally in all majors or this should be explained in detail prior to the admission process. Activities and campus life is largely based on your involvement in a sport or a sorority. Otherwise there really is very very little campus life. This should be honestly conveyed to the student. My student was very successful academically, she completed her sophomore year at Philau, It is actually in a lovely area outside of the city and activities in the immediate area limited for College age adults. This washowever not the issue. Communicating with staff as a parent, even with the appropriate releases (ferpa) was near impossible unless it was related to payment. The staff was patronizing and unprofessional and at times rude related to parent communication and there was the very little exception. When it is the largest investment in your life, as a parent, and all forms are properly signed, access to information should be handled in a professional, understanding and willing manner. Staff prefers to speak with the student only and will remind you they are adults now. I had to remind them they are indeed capable adults however this is a major family financial investment and we discuss things as a family to make sure all options have been explored before making major decisions. I have endless emails, documents, phone logs supporting this information. I know other students who have left Philau for one reason or another, most for these reasons. Never once did they make any effort to try to retain the student or ask why the withdraw from any student that am aware of. WE could type pages and pages of disappointments. These specific complaints were elaborated upon and sent to administration with no response or acknowledgement. Chose wisely, make sure the department, the professors, the Major your student is choosing has a documented success rate. And remember, once admitted, you will have extreme difficulty getting answers to any type of question no matter how important. There was not even a acceptable internet or cable connection in the building our student was housed in for her entire Freshman year. Sad,...

I will be a Junior this coming fall at Philadelphia University, and I have to say that I wouldn't change my college decision if I had the chance. I've thoroughly enjoyed the two years that I have been here so far. My professors have been fantastic, and I've grown so much in my understanding of my field (Design) and my life in general. I have a good understanding of how the school functions since I work closely with the Office of Residence Life as a Resident Assistant and Office Assistant, and I can say with confidence that they place a lot of effort into student growth and development. A testament to the quality of the school is the fact that we are a ranked #81 on "US News Best Colleges". The school of course is not perfect though. Services like maintenance and class scheduling can be difficult and slow-moving. Some of the majors offered here are really small and underdeveloped (I would either visit the campus or ask around to see if the major you're looking at is one of them). One of the worst things the school does is making it extremely difficult to double major or minor. Courses cannot overlap at all, and they've blatantly lied to me about steps in the process. Overall, the school offers great financial aid and it's located in a great spot (East Falls) right on the outskirts of the city. You get all the benefits of the city-life while not having to deal with the daily headaches are also involved with living in it. Definitely check out the school if they have the major(s) you're looking...

This is a business like most Universities. I am being sued by Philadelphia University for not paying back a $800 Perkins loan which I was very confused about in the first place and still am. I was 18 filling out my own FAFSA and trying to get Aid and needed a lot of help since I didnt have any parents to help me. The staff was always very rude, as well as the Professors. Seemed like no one really wanted to be there. There was no school spirit. The campus is nice and secluded and thats the only good thing about it. Most of the students were very snooty and came from 'wealth' and every day was a competition on what you wore or what kind of car you had or this and that. I found myself wanting to leave everyday I was there. I had so many breakdowns and teachers for the most part were not helpful at all. One professor tried to 'motivate' me by saying "Look at Susie over there, she is way ahead of you in the project and doing a much better job." I would recommend going anywhere else unless you are from wealth and doing fashion design. Even with that said, put your money towards a New York fashion school, it will be better for your resume. Very disappointed with this school, they charge so much and do so little for their students. One of the worst decisions I have ever made was to enroll at...