Students worried ITT Technical Institute will close

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Students at ITT Technical Institute in Clovis are worried about the school's future after learning the college may have mishandled money. Some students received an alarming letter and are worried the school could soon close for good.

Alyssa Rodriguez said it has been difficult dealing with a broken foot and being a mom to her two-year-old son Cole, all while working to get her associates degree to become a paralegal. She was so excited to graduate in December until she got an email from the U.S. Department of Education.

Rodriguez said, "It says 'if they want to close.' That caught my attention. If they want to? They can just want to and be done? How can you do that, I'm so close to this."

The federal government is keeping a close eye on ITT Tech's finances, including mandating that it increases its cash reserves. No new students with Federal Aid are allowed to enroll. The U.S. Department of Education stated in a blog, "Over time, ITT's decisions have put its students and millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded federal student aid at risk."

It also said ITT Tech has been the focus of federal and state investigations. This year alone it has been cited twice as out of compliance with its accreditors.

Rodriguez asked her teachers if they knew anything about the institution's possible closure. She said, "All I said is do you guys know anything about this and she said all I know is I may not even have a job by Friday."

The uncertain future of ITT Tech comes just months after Marinello Beauty School locations across the Central Valley shut down. Students there were irate after spending tens of thousands of dollars for their education only to show up one day to have the doors to the school locked. Last year, Heald College met a similar demise. Heald shut its doors leaving hundreds of students scrambling to transfer.

Rodriguez just hopes she is able to get her degree so she can then move on to get her BA.

Rodriguez said, "It's like all we ask for, all the hard work we've done, let us graduate, at least. At least have the heart to let us graduate because with Heald it was just done."

Action News reached out to ITT Technical Institute's headquarters but have not received a response.