IRVINE, CA – Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45) today issued the following statement in response to ongoing reports that Argosy University students have yet to receive financial aid funds expected in early January. Argosy’s parent organization, Dream Center Education Holdings, runs numerous former for-profit universities, including Western State College of Law in Irvine.

“It’s unacceptable that Argosy University and Dream Center Education Holdings defrauded students in the 45^th District and across the country. Argosy students have still not received the financial aid they expected at the beginning of January, and $9 million of taxpayer-funded student aid has gone missing. My heart sank when I heard that some Argosy students have found themselves unable to pay rent or buy groceries.

“Predatory actors like Argosy have been given free rein by the Trump Administration and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to make a quick buck at students’ and taxpayers’ expenses. The Department of Education has taken aggressive steps to deregulate for-profit universities, encouraged institutions to lie about their accreditation statuses, and left students vulnerable to fraudulent groups. 

“My office has been monitoring the situation at Western State College of Law and will focus all immediate efforts on helping affected students. In the coming weeks, I will aggressively pursue answers from Argosy, Dream Center, and the Department of Education. These parties must be held responsible for failing the students who relied on their empty promises.

“If the Trump Administration and Secretary DeVos will not bring accountability to these con artists, I will.”

Rep. Porter also met with affected Western State law students. She committed to supporting the students and making that one of her top priorities until the situation is resolved.

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