Information on the Closure of the Art Institute of Tennessee and Argosy University Locations in Nashville and Phoenix

CLOSURE:
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) authorized The Art Institute in Tennessee (AI) and two Argosy University locations, Nashville and Phoenix. AI and Argosy University in Nashville closed in December 2018. Argosy University in Phoenix closed on March 8, 2019.

STUDENTS:  
If you have any questions, after reviewing this webpage, please contact the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s Division of Postsecondary State Authorization (DPSA) at 615-741-5293.

DPSA encourages students to review this site from time-to-time for updated information.

US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION – FEDERAL STUDENT AID LINKS:

TRANSCRIPTS:
AI and Argosy University – Nashville: THEC has received transcripts from Argosy University Nashville and is currently processing the transcripts for distribution. During this process you can request your transcript, and THEC will make every effort to fulfill the request within ten (10) business days of receipt of your request. For additional information see https://www.tn.gov/thec/bureaus/student-aid-and-compliance/postsecondary-state-authorization/academic-transcripts.html  NOTE:  Transcript will only list course work taken through December 2018. If you transferred to another campus after December 2018, the course work will not be listed. THEC is working to determine the location of the records of other campuses.

Argosy University – Phoenix: THEC does not have transcripts at this time, but is making every effort to obtain transcripts for Tennessee students as quickly as possible. This page will be updated as more information is available.

TRANSFER INFORMATION:  Please be aware that there is a lot of information circulating about transferring your Argosy credits to different institutions. This information has been compiled at different websites by institutions and institutional and programmatic accreditors. Please review this information carefully. NOTE:  If you are enrolled in a program from which you expect to seek licensure in Tennessee, THEC encourages you to verify that the education you receive from a particular institution will satisfy the educational requirements for licensure.

Institutions that have been in contact with THEC:

  • Trevecca Nazarene University (https://www.trevecca.edu/ ) has told THEC that students can either contact Dr. Susan Lahey, Director of Graduate Counseling, at slahey@trevecca.edu or 615-248-1751 or Heather Ambrefe, assistant director, at hambrefe@trevecca.edu or 615-248-1546. 
  • Walden University (https://www.waldenu.edu/ ) has told THEC that students should contact Walden University directly at 1-866-492-5336. One of their advisors will be able to provide students with information on options the institution may be able to provide for completing the student’s degree.
  • Bethel University welcomes Argosy students to complete their degree programs in its 100 percent online associate, bachelor's, and master's level programs, as well as any of its on-campus programs.  Bethel's College of Professional Studies offers online programs in Business, Organizational Leadership, Customer Relationship Management, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Services Management.  For more information about how to enroll in these programs, visit  http://bethelsuccess.net/argosy_transfer/ or contact Barry McBride at mcbrideb@bethelu.edu or 615-517-6375. 
  • Thomas University is pleased to assist Argosy students in earning their degree.  Online majors include bachelor’s degree programs in:  Medical Laboratory Science 2+2, RN-BSN, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Business Administration.  Master’s degree programs:  Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, MBA, and Curriculum and Instruction.  For additional information, please visit https://www2.thomasu.edu/admiss/discover-thomas-university.html or contact Susan Backofen, sbackofen@thomasu.edu, 229-227-6977.

Institutional Accreditor Links:

Programmatic Accreditor Links:

TENNESSEE RECONNECT:
Please go to https://www.tnreconnect.gov/ to learn more about opportunities available through Tennessee Reconnect.

VETERANS:
Please visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/FGIB/Restoration.asp to learn more about your options. Some benefit eligibility may be restored depending on the details of the closing and your particular circumstances.

TUITION GUARANTY FUND:
The TGF was established by the Tennessee General Assembly to reimburse students at certain postsecondary educational institutions that close without earning the tuition collected. This is called unearned tuition.

 Important points:

  1. TGF applies only when the closing institution is authorized by THEC and (1) a student attended a physical location of the school in Tennessee or (2) a student is a Tennessee resident and attended a location of the institution outside of Tennessee.
  2. A claim for reimbursement of the unearned tuition must be made within two years of the date the institution discontinued operations.
  3. Unearned tuition includes tuition, registration, general graduation, activity, or other fees that are required to be paid by all students where the institution did not complete the educational obligation or reimburse students.
  4. Monies paid for tangible goods, such as books and equipment, are not reimbursable.
  5. Monies paid for program specific costs are not reimbursable by the TGF, e.g. certification fees charged separately to a student's account.
  6. Monies for expenses such as housing, meals, clothing and transportation, not paid directly to and retained by the institution are not reimbursable.

If you believe you fall into one of these two situations you can file a TGF claim by completing the Tennessee Tuition Guaranty Fund (TGF) Claim Application and the related Tuition Guaranty Fund (TGF) Information Release Authorization. Before filing a claim, please contact the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s Division of Postsecondary State Authorization at 615-741-5293. Note that both documents must be completed before THEC will consider your claim. The length of time to review a claim will depend on the number of complaints received and the process could be lengthy. To download the forms, please visit the DPSA Links and Forms page and click on the DPSA Applications/Forms. 

Additional Resources

  • College Pays - Information on financial aid and Tennessee-specific grants and scholarships.
  • Launch My Career TN – Information on colleges and majors from institutions across Tennessee.
  • Jobs4TN – Information for job seekers from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development