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Career College of Northern Nevada Closure

Career College of Northern Nevada announced its closure on February 9, 2024.  The time period in which to file an eligible claim with the Commission for a refund of tuition and fees closed on February 8, 2025.  No additional refund requests will be processed. 

Students who were actively enrolled or on an approved leave of absence on February 9, 2024, or those who withdrew from a training program within 180 days of this date, may be eligible for a Closed School Discharge for federal loans. More information can be found at the following web address: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/closed-school

Students can also visit https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/closed-school for additional information from the Federal Student Aid website. 

The Commission on Postsecondary Education (CPE) submitted information to the VA related to all veterans and beneficiaries in attendance at the time of the school's closure.   More information about restoration of benefits can be found at: https://benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/restoration.asp

Notice Concerning Morrison University

Morrison University, owned by Education Training Corporation, permanently closed on September 25, 2014.  Morrison University does not hold a valid license from the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education to operate within the state of Nevada.  Morrison Holdings LLC does not hold a business license with the Nevada Secretary of State to operate in Nevada.

CPE is the permanent repository for all Morrison University files and took possession of all records at the time of its closure.  Any claims of any other entity holding Morrison University transcripts are false.

Information for Students

The Commission licenses private postsecondary institutions that offer training in Nevada to adults with a few exceptions such as cosmetology, barbering, truck driving and flight training.  Before enrolling in any private postsecondary school, students should find out if the institution is properly licensed in Nevada. The Commission protects students of licensed schools with a tuition refund program for students impacted by closure of the school during attendance.  Additionally, schools can not legally guarantee students a job.  Please contact the Commission if any school attempts to make such a guarantee.

Students should read the following information and remember to contact the Commission for assistance with any questions they may have.

Student Refunds

Student refunds may be available to students who experienced out-of-pocket tuition costs for private postsecondary institutional closures, excluding federal financial aid and/or federal student loans.

To be eligible for a refund a student must: 

  • Be in attendance at the time of closure
  • Experience out of pocket tuition costs (including third party educational loans)
  • Be unable to transfer credits to complete the program/degree
  • File a claim within 1 year of the closure
  • Provide the student enrollment agreement and proof of payments

Students who attended an institution 120 days prior and up to the closure date, and who utilized federal financial aid, must file a claim with the U.S. Department of Education at https://www2.ed.gov/fund/grants-college.html?src=rn

Licensure

Students should check to see if an institution has a Nevada business license (issued by a city or county) and, if required, a license issued by the Commission on Postsecondary Education (CPE). If the school is not licensed by CPE, the institution must be licensed by another state agency or the federal government (unless the college or university is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE)).

Licensure of private postsecondary institutions is mandatory in most states unless a licensing entity has exempted the school. In Nevada, all licensed schools are required to prominently display the school's license, which includes the inclusive dates of the license.  Business licenses must be current.  Students who are planning on enrolling in an out-of-state school should contact the Commission, as it is in contact with other state licensing agencies and can assist in determining if the school is operating legitimately.

Accreditation

Students whose goal is to obtain an associate's degree or higher should make sure the school they are attending is accredited. Nevada has prohibitions against the issuance of degrees from unaccredited institutions. There are several types of accreditation: regional, national and specialized.  While many specialized accreditations are required for licensure in specific occupations, they do not meet Nevada's definition of institutional accreditation.  Nevada regulations mandate that accrediting bodies be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  Students can check the US Department of Education's web site at https://www.ed.gov  or contact CPE for additional information.

Financing

Most institutions employ a financial aid person who can help students determine the best way to pay for their education.  Students should check with their institution for additional information. In addition, there is a state-sponsored Millennium Scholarship program as well as U.S. Department of Education programs that may be available to assist students in paying for their educations.

Student Complaint

Students enrolled in a licensed private postsecondary educational institution have the right to register a legitimate complaint with CPE.  Prior to filing a complaint, the student must attempt to resolve the issue with school officials according to the policies of the school.  Each institution is required to publish a catalog and have each student complete an enrollment agreement for an enrollment to be legally valid.  Please review these documents when considering filing a complaint.

If a student is unable to reach a resolution with the institution, the student can contact CPE and we will attempt to resolve the issue.  Until 1 year after the last date of attendance or date on which the damage occurred, whichever is later, a person claiming damage as a result of any act by a postsecondary educational institution or its agents that is a violation of NRS 394.383 to 394.560 inclusive or regulations adopted pursuant thereto. The complaint must set forth the alleged violation and contain other information as required by regulation of the Commission.

Formal complaints are investigated by staff with a decision by the Administrator.  If either party does not agree with that decision, an appeal to the full Commission may be requested within 10 days of the Administrator's decision. 

Students must provide CPE with a copy of the student enrollment agreement, receipt of monies paid, all support documentation related to the allegation and a written statement.  Failure to provide support documentation can impact the length of time to complete an investigation or impact the final outcome. CPE will not communicate with a student concerning the investigation until the investigation is concluded unless the agency requires additional information from the student.   

Investigations may take several months to complete based the complexity of issues, staff resources and documentation review.