Stratford Career Institute
Stratford Career Institute Overview
The generated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.
Stratford Career Institute reviews show a 2.2 star rating from 42 reviews, with 67% unfavorable and consumers mostly dissatisfied.
Key Takeaways for Future Customers
- Wide course selection and thorough materials but many note it is not accredited.
- Read contracts carefully; many seek a refund and report billing disputes.
- Some students report successful outcomes, others report mixed reliability.
Negative Feedback / Risk Areas
- Frequent customer complaints about collections, disputed charges and billing practices.
- Requests for refund, reports of poor customer service and mail/order problems.
- Allegations of misleading accreditation claims and access issues.
Positive Feedback
Reviewers praise the diversity of products, interesting materials and some success stories from diplomas.
The generated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.
Stratford Career Institute reviews show a 2.2 star rating from 42 reviews, with 67% unfavorable and consumers mostly dissatisfied.
Key Takeaways for Future Customers
- Wide course selection and thorough materials but many note it is not accredited.
- Read contracts carefully; many seek a refund and report billing disputes.
- Some students report successful outcomes, others report mixed reliability.
Negative Feedback / Risk Areas
- Frequent customer complaints about collections, disputed charges and billing practices.
- Requests for refund, reports of poor customer service and mail/order problems.
- Allegations of misleading accreditation claims and access issues.
Positive Feedback
Reviewers praise the diversity of products, interesting materials and some success stories from diplomas.
Media from reviews
Kloulklubed, Peleliu
Pharmacy assistant diploma
i have been waiting for a year now and have not heard anything from you. Did I finished my course or not?
Please give me your response. Thank you.
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer#SCI.. Oh my Gosh!! #SCI. Look what you made me today!!! #TFW15, #LouisVuittonSponsor, #TFW16 & #FGI, Toronto.
- SCI Transcripts supported a comeback in fashion with memorable moments.
- The review highlights SCI as legitimate and warns about fake schools.
"I can't believe my eyes #SCI Transcripts?!
U single-handedly made a huge impossible, magical moment, great access memories, driven impact for my comeback in fashion, made my world upside-down & a graduation entitlement DREAM on what made me today, during the STEPHEN HARPER | CONSERVATIVE #GoldenAge2015 #Era DAYS!
Believe me, there are a lot of FAKE SCHOOL(S) out there (??), further erecting all over Canada & across the #GTA #Ontario within my life's experiences..
Except, #SCI: U GOT TO BE JOKING??
#KeepItREAL2015.
Without you: I AM NOTHING!!
My name is: VINCENT ORTANEZ. This is truly my Canadian Success Stories that I love to share, posting good vibes for the public to see about this school: #SCI.
Thank you for everything for being a low-budget & completely LEGIT.
PERIOD."
#Attached I
#PhotoBelow V
- Red flag & high budget
Preferred solution: These #SCI DIPLOMA & TRANSCRIPTS should be recognized/ accredited by education licensee's
User's recommendation: STRATFORD CAREER INSTITUTE: A low-budget online career course will certainly take you anywhere..... HELLO?!
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerSCI made a huge impact on what made me today!! #TFW #FGIToronto
- SCI Transcripts were accepted by a top private Canadian fashion college, with reviews by TFW15, TFW16 and Louis Vuitton Sponsor.
"I cannot believe my eyes for that my SCI Transcripts was accepted by one of the best Private Fashion Colleges in Canada around; #CFDI in SOHO, Runnymede, Toronto, ON. CAN., 2015.
It made a huge impact in my life for that had lead me further away for my Graduation Entitlement & Reviewed by #TFW15, #TFW16 & #LouisVuittonSponsor, during the Stephen Harper Era.
Without them: I AM NOTHING!!
My name is: VINCENT ORTANEZ.
This is my Canadian Success Stories on making a Comeback in Fashion, due to #SCI single-handedly turn my world upside down!!"
#KeepItREAL2015
User's recommendation: See PROOF OF PHOTOS, below. v
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerNASTY
- Customer service had a rude attitude and the staff member was aggressive.
- I earned two diplomas and would not enroll again at this institute.
Customer service has the worst attitude; that *** should get another job. I will never ever get another diploma here.
Rude, worst customer service. I have never called in 10 years. I got two diplomas, and she was aggressive.
What the *** is her problem? Do not ever enroll at this *** institute.
Preferred solution: A *** *** rude unprofessional
User's recommendation: DO NOT ENROLL
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerResolved: So far I haven't been able to begin the course I signed up for because I am a caregiver for my husband who has cancer, my mom who is 87 years old and aging pets, but have paid as agreed on.
- Data breaches exposed my info; I froze credit.
- Stratford charged $30 for a rejected payment.
- Contact is hard; it is through instructors.
After I was informed my information, because of 2 data breach's, was on the dark web and my SS number was out there, I put a freeze on all of my credit accounts and was working with various companies I had automatic payments set up with and paid for them on my own. Having done so with Stratford, I didn't have any payment due, but they charged me $30 for the rejection of payment and sent a scathing letter telling me I have to send a certified check or money order to them for the payment and $30 within 10 days even though I was up to date and nothing was due.
So I'm waiting to hear back from them and if they refuse my ability to work on my certification I will have to go after them for a refund of what I've paid so far. There doesn't seem to be any way to contact them except through the instructor's, which makes it difficult to communicate with them on this.
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerThief's and Liars!
- Promised payment options, but I was billed after canceling.
- I had not received any books, and two years later it appeared on my credit report.
I thought attending their school would benefit me since I was a single mom wanting to do something with my life. That was until they sent me a huge bill instead of allowing me to make payments as previously promised, so I called to cancel.
I had not received any books or anything. I called, and they assured me I wouldn't be charged anything because I cancelled in time, but two years later, they show up on my credit report! I was told an outright lie! Don't waste your time or money.
They do nothing but scam people and they couldn't care less! Be cautious about which schools you apply to because they prey on the young and naive.
- Thieves and liars
Preferred solution: For them to take the mistake they caused off of my credit report!
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerReading all the reviews.
- The course at SCI is not accredited.
- The program is structured to refresh existing knowledge.
- I hope to receive all promised materials.
I just signed up for a course at SCI and I understand that it is not an accredited study. What I liked about the program is that it is a structured study to refresh the knowledge I already have.
I feel bad for everyone who had a bad experience. My hope is that I receive all the materials that are promised in the course.
Preferred solution: End of course diploma.
Barrie, Ontario
They’re coming after me for money
- 2017: enrolled in a course claiming no payment until completion and never received books or responses.
- In 2024 they still call for tuition, despite a cease and desist.
In 2017, I signed up for a course that stated multiple times that you wouldnt have to pay the school (if you even want to call it that) anything until you completed your course. I never received any books (that were supposedly going to be mailed out to me) or responses when Id try to email them or call them.
I also never attended any classes due to being forced from my home and becoming homeless for a short amount of time. Even now, in 2024, theyre STILL calling me demanding tuition money.
Every time I block their number, they call back with a different one. Ive even gone through with ordering a cease and desist but they ignored it and still contact me
User's recommendation: DO NOT attempt to study at this “school”
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerLack of Information Led to Debt
- Unaccredited program sold as accredited.
- No grace period, they chase payment after signing.
- Leads to debt for a course with little value.
Unaccredited but selling as though they are accredited. Once you sign up there is no grace period to quit, once you sign the dotted line and realize the course is useless due to a lack of accreditation, they will still chase after you for money.
These people prey on poor people looking to advance their skills but the result is plenty of people ending up in debt for something that is literally useless.
If they were honest during their sales call, then, when they realize people are dissatisfied after a short period of time they should provide a refund since their sales department fails to disclose some important facts. The fact they don't leans more towards scam than a business/school.
- No pros
- Entire school is a con
Preferred solution: Full refund
User's recommendation: Dont bother with an unaccredited school as it's a waste of money and time.
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerI was locked out
- Locked out after second payment and unable to access courses for 6 weeks.
- Staff ignored; switched to another college and now in collections.
After making my second payment I was locked out of the program. I was not able to access my courses for 6 weeks and was ignored by the staff .
I went and found a different college. Now they have sent me to collections for non payment . I guess they expect you to pay even if you can not get into your account. All they do is ruin your credit.
Hows that helping a person out. From what I saw its sub standard learning that really looks worse than not going on a resume.
- Were rude
- Less than helpful and not really even a school
Preferred solution: Them to take me out of collections because I did not attend this .
User's recommendation: Don’t do it. Go find a real school that will teach you .
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerFree GED classes at your local community college
- Two Illinois community colleges offer free GED classes.
- Look into your local community college for GED classes and avoid Stratford's high school course.
I teach at two community colleges in Illinois and they offer free GED classes. I am taking the Stratford vet assistant course for fun.
I don't plan to switch careers, so I don't care about accreditation.
But please don't waste your money on their high school course. Look into your local community college for GED classes.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE
So disrespectful and dishonest. Upon further research it seems there are countless bad reviews.
They only care about money not students. Certainly not education.
Preferred solution: doesn't matter I am not going
Never Went There
- Asked for class info; received ongoing messages; it shows on credit report.
- I'd not attend; doctors say strokes and heart attacks.
I asked for information regarding taking classes, and there was no end to the communication I received. I spoke with the school on several occasions letting them know that I would not be attending due to my doctors saying I had 3 strokes and 2 heart attacks.
Nonetheless, they are showing on my credit report. SCAM BEWARE!
- Have been sued by the ftc
- Are scammers
Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution
User's recommendation: DO NOT ASK FOR INFORMATION OR YOU WILL BECOME A STUDENT INSTANTLY!
Bad service
- Told I had two courses I didn’t sign up for and an online agreement existed.
- Told to prove it wasn’t me; removal would require fighting.
I went to pay off my debt with this company, and they told me that I had 2. When I told them that I never signed up for 1 of the courses she said yes you did.
You did it online. When she told me the date I told her I was at another school at that time so why would I be doing their school also.
i told her that it needed to be taken off, and she told me she could not do it unless I prove that it wasn't me, I told her to prove it was me, and she said that there was an online agreement made, so it had to be me. I told her there was no way it was me she said I would have to try to fight it if I could.
Preferred solution: this course taken off and not make me pay for a course I didn't sign up for
User's recommendation: DO NOT GO THROUGH THIS SCHOOL
Did you read your contract? I am reading the reviews and I am asking myself.
This school is big. If they was scams why is the goverment not shut them down?
You sign and gave them your credit card information. That is how they got you.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Medical Transcription
- Open-book tests, but I flunked with 10% after studying.
- I’ve never scored that low before.
- I earned an honors certificate in the bookkeeping course.
the tests are supposedly open book but I just took an exam that I studied hard for and flunked with a 10%. I have never in any course I ever took, gotten that bad a score. I took this institute's bookkeeping course and received an honor's certificate so I'm clearly not stupid.
User's recommendation: Don't use this program. They aren't all bad, just this one.
I am surprised that medical transcription programs are still being offered given that the field is completely dead. I say this as a former transcriptionist (first medical followed by legal) who worked in the field for 26 years.
Replying to
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerOverpriced and extremely disappointing
- Video Game Design is overpriced for minimal instruction: three modules, two textbooks, exams mostly direct quotes, materials arrive late.
I am currently on my 2nd course through SCI. The first, Veterinary Assistant, was disappointing, but still informative.
This 2nd one on the other hand is a pathetic joke... Video Game Design. Original price for the course was $1000. Thankfully I am getting it at a discounted price, but even then it is still OVERPRICED for the amount of content.
There are 3 modules with 2 textbooks and NO additional instruction. The textbooks are well written, but do little to "teach" the subject. Additionally the cost of the textbooks is only about $50.
The "course" is just read the textbooks and answer exam questions that are almost all nearly direct quotes from the books with multiple choice answers.
I am only 1 month in after my sign up date and am already on the 3rd and final module. I have spent more time waiting for materials to arrive than actually on the course.
This is one "course" that should be removed, drastically redesigned, or priced significantly lower.
Not a happy customer!
- Lack of contact options
- Contact options do not work
- Overpriced
Preferred solution: Price reduction
User's recommendation: AVOID!
About
Currently, Stratford Career Institute is an innovative leader in the field of distance education. Home study with Stratford Career Institute fills this need by making education and training a reality. Students can upgrade existing skills, learn new ones, or earn Stratford's High School Diploma through guided independent training at a time and place that is convenient for them. At the present time, the corporate office of the company is based in St. Albans VT. The Institute has also affiliates in Canada. Among the most popular courses undertaken by the students are Business, Computer Technology, Counseling/Education, Creative Careers, Legal/Medical, and Vocational Trades to name just a few.
Stratford Career Institute is ranked 169 out of 2489 in Education category
USA
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U should of turned them in to the better business bureau!