Consumer Information

 

The Office of Higher Education is responsible for:

• regulating private and out-of-state public postsecondary institutions,
• providing consumer protection for prospective college students and current college students.
• researching complaints about private colleges and career schools regulated by the Agency.
• publishing information that students can use to make informed decisions about where to go to college.

The Office publishes consumer information not only to provide consumer protections from unfair, deceptive, misleading, or fraudulent practices of institutions; but also to help guide student consumers to make educated decisions with regards to their education. The Office stays attuned to the higher education environment, the financial health of institutions, and current events that are relevant to Minnesota students.

In addition to providing consumer information, the Office collects complaints and conducts investigations when information presented indicates an institution may be acting in a deceptive, misleading, or fraudulent manner. The Institutional Licensing and Registration division works to hold institutions accountable and helps institutions understand their obligation to operate within the framework of Minnesota statutes and rules.

Alert: Student Loan Scams

Recently, scammers have been targeting consumers via email, text message or phone call promising them that student loans can be forgiven or with an offer to work fast and help save money on their student loans.

Please email the Student Loan Advocate when receiving suspicious communication regarding student loans that may be a scam or submit a form via the Department of Commerce’s online complaint portal. More information about the Student Loan Advocate and reporting student loan scams can be found on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website.