Fade to Black

A local woman borrows money to go back to school to get more broadcasting experience then the school, The Connecticut School of Broadcasting, fades to black. Now what?!?

The Connecticut School of Broadcasting promised students an immersion in broadcasting, invaluable experience and the lifetime use of their studios once you graduate.

The pitch worked for Lauren Kronowitz of Long Island.

"Professionally I think they have a lot to offer," said Lauren. "They cover everything from voice demos to editing. I had to audition for it and I was like great, they said you're in and I was like fantastic."

But then she found out how much it would cost and she balked. But then the school offered her a scholarship.

And Sallie Mae would loan her the rest.

Sallie Mae paid out $6,000 in tuition money the end of February. Just a few days later the school shut down its 26 schools nationwide.

Lauren was shocked. "The doors were closed, no explanation, no questions asked, nothing, they did not call me, they did not contact me because I was supposed to start March 23rd."

Now what?

We reached out to the CEO of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting.

"We are thoroughly disappointed for the students," said David Banner. "Over the years we have been working very hard to keep our schools, grow them, love them." He continues, "We are doing everything in our power to make sure those students who were just weeks away from getting their certificate, will get them."

The New York State Education Department has stepped in, as well.

Nancy Griggs says, "For the students who were scheduled to start on March 23rd we will find out if CSB will issue refunds. If not," she said, "we will process refunds through the tuition reimbursement account."

At that point, the Attorney General will try to recover the money paid out."

And Sallie Mae spokesperson Amanda Holt vows students like Lauren are given help if there is a school closure. "We have a philosophy," said Ms. Holt, "students should not have to pay for education that they didn't receive."

That's going to have to be enough for students like Lauren.

"You just don't close the doors overnight, you just don't do that."

But about that promise to students about the lifetime use of their studios. The CEO told us, "Any lifetime guarantee is only good for as long as the company is in business."

http://www.highered.nysed.gov/bpss