For-profit chain Vista College closes abruptly, files for bankruptcy protection

Higher Ed Dive 

Natalie Schwartz

October 12, 2021

Dive Brief: 

• The owner of Vista College, a chain of for-profit schools, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection Monday after last week suddenly shuttering campuses and saying it would close down operations.

• In a letter to students, Vista College said it was “unable to continue due to financial circumstances.” It said it was still in compliance with accreditation standards and state and federal regulations.

• The college shut down before the beginning of a new term on Monday and while a term for nursing students was underway, according to a local media report. “We apologize for the sudden notice but due to unforeseen events we could not continue with the new term,” the letter stated.

Dive Insight:

Vista College has several campuses in Texas, as well as sites in New Mexico and Arkansas. Its programs span healthcare, business, information technology and criminal justice

The chain’s sudden closure blindsided students, according to local media reports. Some are unsure where they can finish their degrees or weren’t given the opportunity to complete their certification exams — even though the school promised to pay the fees for those tests.

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