Why DeVry University Faces Criticism – A Comprehensive Overview

DeVry University has been in hot water for quite some time. On the surface, it’s a university that promises flexible, career-oriented education for people who can’t always follow the traditional path.

But if you scratch just a little deeper, you start to hit some seriously rough terrain. From lawsuits to mounting student debt to job prospects that don’t quite match the promises, the criticism isn’t coming out of nowhere.

And the people calling it out aren’t just random internet commenters—they include government agencies, former students, and watchdog organizations. So what’s really going on with DeVry?

Main Criticisms at a Glance

A Little Background on DeVry

Established by Herman DeVry in 1931, the original school focused on technical training. Over several decades, it morphed from DeForest Training School to DeVry Technical Institute, then to DeVry Institute of Technology, and ultimately, in 2002, DeVry University.

At one point, it merged with Keller Graduate School of Management, which broadened its range of degree offerings. The key point here is that DeVry, despite being regionally accredited, operates on a for-profit model.

While there’s absolutely nothing illegal about running a for-profit school, this structure can create friction when tuition prices and recruitment practices feel more profit-driven than student-focused.

Deceptive Advertising and Legal Headaches

One of the biggest hits to DeVry’s reputation came in 2016, when the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued the university. The lawsuit revolved around claims that 90% of DeVry grads landed positions in their field within six months. Investigations revealed that this figure wasn’t accurate.

According to the Los Angeles Times, there was a $100 million settlement, and students who felt swindled got refunds. That lawsuit wasn’t an isolated incident.

There were class-action claims filed by graduates, more allegations about inflated employment stats, and even mention of questionable use of tech buzzwords—like “cloud computing”—just to reel students in.

Even if some suits got dismissed, the perception that DeVry was too quick to promise glowing career outcomes left a bad taste in many people’s mouths.

Big Tuition Bills, Big Debt

Tuition is a massive factor for anyone picking a college. DeVry’s price tag can be pretty high—around $15,835 a year for undergraduates back in 2018–2019.

Compare that to public community colleges or even some public four-year institutions, which can be significantly cheaper, and you start to see why critics ring the alarm bell.

Research across the for-profit college sector reveals that fewer students graduate compared to public colleges. For-profit students also tend to default on loans at higher rates.

That’s a recipe for crippling debt. According to Axios reports, in 2022, the government discharged $71 million in student loan debt for around 1,800 former DeVry students, citing misleading enrollment tactics.

This came on top of broader settlements and ongoing investigations into for-profit education. It’s no secret that many graduates have found themselves with a diploma that’s tough to leverage in the job market, along with considerable debt.

If you ask me, that’s a surefire way to sink any school’s reputation.

Do DeVry Degrees Hold Water with Employers?

Here’s an uncomfortable question for any for-profit school: do big companies take these degrees seriously? In tech fields especially, there’s a sense that a degree from a traditional public or private nonprofit institution might carry more weight.

Studies have pointed out that a large portion of for-profit grads earn less than people who never finished high school. That’s a harsh statement, but it highlights why so many are wary about the actual returns on a DeVry diploma.

Reviews from some DeVry alumni mention struggles in the job market, stating that employers side-eyed the name on their résumé.

Meanwhile, other students say they had no issues and found the convenience of online or hybrid learning worth it. The bottom line, though, is that many prospective students feel anxious about how hiring managers perceive for-profit credentials.

Targeting Low-Income and Military Students

One particularly controversial accusation involves claims that DeVry and other for-profit institutions zone in on low-income communities and military personnel. Why would they do that?

Critics argue it’s because these groups often come with accessible federal or military education benefits, and they might be less likely to question recruitment pitches.

There have been stories of overly pushy admissions reps who seemed more interested in hitting their enrollment quotas than genuinely assisting prospective students.

This approach has led some to label DeVry’s tactics as predatory, especially since these populations can be more vulnerable to financial strain.

If you check out comment sections online, you’ll see ex-recruiters calling their roles “sales” jobs, with quotas and phone scripts. Some did appreciate the pay and benefits, but these public confessions only add fuel to the controversy.

A Quick Comparison

Sometimes it helps to see a simple layout. Below is a short table comparing a few metrics that critics often bring up. Keep in mind these are approximate figures based on publicly available data around 2018–2019 and may vary year to year.

Student Voices

No single institution can fit every student’s needs. DeVry’s online and hybrid models can be a lifesaver for people juggling full-time jobs or family commitments.

Some students say DeVry gave them the flexibility they needed, plus a curriculum that worked for their career goals—especially in fields like Medical Billing and Coding or certain business specialties.

On the flip side, quite a few alumni complain that they ended up feeling cheated. One-star reviews cite high-pressure enrollment calls, a sense of being misled about post-graduate salaries, and insufficient academic support once they were in the program.

Online review platforms like ConsumerAffairs show a stark divide: many five-star reviews for convenience and helpful instructors, but also hundreds of one-star reviews spotlighting disappointment and financial strain.

From what I’ve read, it’s a coin toss. Some folks walk away satisfied, others regret ever signing up. That mismatch in experiences is part of what keeps the DeVry controversy rolling.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Ongoing Investigations

Government bodies haven’t been shy about stepping in. From the FTC settlement to state attorneys general investigating claims of loan violations and deceptive marketing, DeVry has seen the inside of more than one courtroom.

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs even issued a reprimand tied to the school’s marketing practices and paused certain benefits until DeVry made changes.

Accreditation has also been a bumpy ride at times. DeVry had a designation of “under governmental investigation” from the Higher Learning Commission for a period.

Although that label eventually got lifted, the pattern of investigations has stuck in the minds of many prospective students.

Why All the Fuss?

At its core, this is part of a broader debate about for-profit education. Critics argue that a profit motive can overshadow genuine academic growth, leading to aggressive recruitment, inflated tuition, and flimsy student support.

DeVry just happens to be one of the most high-profile targets of that conversation. If you’ve watched documentaries like Fail State (2018), you’ve probably seen the bigger context: students from for-profit colleges often graduate with hefty loans, and there’s a real question about how well these institutions equip them for the job market.

DeVry’s legal troubles, combined with personal accounts from disgruntled grads, make it a prime example.

Final Thoughts

DeVry University stands as a key talking point in the larger story of for-profit education in the United States.

If you’re hunting for a college that fits your needs, it’s always wise to compare different schools, check out real alumni experiences, and consider the potential financial risk.

This topic is loaded with nuances, so dig into the details and see what makes sense for you. All in all, DeVry’s saga should prompt anyone contemplating enrollment to think about their goals, budget, and the potential for real career growth.

At the end of the day, it’s your future, your money, and your call.