Stratford Career Institute

800-363-0058

12 Champlain Commons Saint Albans, VT 05478

www.scitraining.com

Categories:

Vocational Schools, Personal Services, Employment Agencies

Products & Services:

Here is a list of some of our courses: High School Nursing Assistant Medical Office Assistant Medical Billing Specialist Real Estate Appraiser Veterinary Assistant Psychology/Social Work Start Your Own Business Criminal Justice Early Childhood

Bookmark and Share Edit business See hours

Admissions: 8 a.m. EST - 8:30 p.m. EST Instructors: 8 a.m. EST - 8:30 p.m. EST

Message from Stratford Career Institute

Merchant_icon

Stratford Career Institute is an innovative leader in the field of distance education. With thousands of students worldwide, SCI has earned its reputation in the delivery of career training. In fact, we're so sure that Stratford Career Institute is the right choice for you that we urge you to compare SCI against other correspondence schools. Stratford Career Institute is one of the world’s premier correspondence schools and is an innovative leader in the field of distance education. More than 700,000 students have enrolled in Stratford Career Institute’s distance learning courses since 1991. These students have already experienced the convenient flexibility our at-home career training programs have to offer. We offer more than 60 distance learning courses designed to teach you the skills you need to get started toward a new money-making career. All of our instructional materials are developed by experts in the field, and delivered directly to your home. Stratford Career Institute (SCI) is a privately owned correspondence school established in 1991 that offers at-home vocational training programs to students in North America. Stratford's corporate offices are located in St. Albans, Vermont, and Montreal, Canada. Stratford Career Institute is a member of the United States Distance Learning Association, the Canadian Association of Distance Education (CADE) and the International Council for Distance Education (ICDE). It also has academic affiliations with the Housing Inspection Foundation, the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, the Guild of Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Accountants (ICIA)and the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA). Stratford is also a member of the Better Business Bureau. Stratford Career Institute does not hold any regional or national accreditation that's recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Therefore, graduates from Stratford will not be able to transfer their courses to universities. Stratford Career Institute diplomas are meant for vocational training, and not for college credits, degrees, or employment. Stratford's programs are specifically designed to serve as an introduction or enhancement of the theoretical knowledge required for the vocational application of a particular subject. Stratford's primary intention is to help individuals in the furtherance of their vocational training. Earn your career diploma with affordable distance education and career training programs!

Have experience with Stratford Career Institute? Write a review!

Click a star and select a rating:

Minimum required characters left: 150 (max 5000)

Title:

 cancel

Insider Pages Reviews for Stratford Career Institute

Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute is worst school in the United States

by joseph U.

For my personal experience this is scandalous rip off because I was not informed earlier about the training courses and not credited by the state board of education in the U.S and well eventually this is a bit awry for my because I assumed it was going to lead me a successful training for my career entitlement.

Posted 11/23/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute is affordable

by Ed P.

Stratford is great for me. The fact that I can make monthly tuition payments is super helpful. I also like their student log-in. It's easy to use and I like being able to access everything from one place. Stratford has been very helpful to me and I would recommend them for sure.

Posted 10/27/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute is sloppy

by Terri E.

They are apparently not interested in students. I've contacted three times (by mail, phone and web site) for info on a course and they still haven't answered me, 3 weeks later. I can easily go somewhere else to find someone who cares!

Posted 10/25/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute is worthwhile

by K U.

Stratford Career Institute is worthwhile! You will definitely have more knowledge than before you took your course with Stratford. Even if you can't do exactly what you want with the career diploma, you have at least gained additional knowledge and are certainly more prepared for your future. Stratford Career Institute was great for me and I can't say enough about how much they have helped me to move forward in my life!!!

Posted 10/22/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute is HUGE RIP OFF!!!!!

by Jennifer C.

HUGE RIP OFF!!!! I "Graduated" from their high school diploma program and asked which college accepts their "diploma" and they just said that there are hundreds of them. I have called numerous schools and none of them recognize Stratford. They are "preparing you" to do the tests that are accredited by the board of education. So you pay almost a thousand dollars to prepare for the high school equivalency diploma, get a paper diploma from Stratford that is useless, and have to pay another few hundred dollars to get a real diploma that will allow you to go to college. I argued with the lady and asked her which schools are accepting the diploma and she couldn't even name one. She said that is on a case by case basis as to which schools accept their diplomas. Total waste of time and money.(If I could give them zero stars I would.)

Posted 10/21/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute not accredited by the board of education useless

by vanessa j.

stratfod is NOT accredited by the board of education their diploma is useless no internship for trades you study a complete waist of time and money... I'm so upset NO school will allow me to use their high school diploma now i have to take another course, or take the GED exam ASAP so i can start college. continental is accredited by the board and the course is only $395.00 i think I'll go with them I'm so hurt Stratford hung the phone up on me when i called to discuss a refund., What i learned from them is free at the library i really want my money back. i contacted the BBB to file a complaint also. I was happy and satisfied with the physical diploma but when i applied to schools it was not recognized by ANYONE I REPEAT ANYONE a worthless diploma. I'm calling and sending letters to all who will listen to get this fake educational center closed down so what happened to me wont happen to anyone else.. beware this school is no school at all.... If all their other diplomas programs are good they need to take away the high school program. However I guarantee if you try to use their diploma with a good employer who will actually CHECK the diploma you have it will not be recognized either. I learned my lesson I am now doing my research can't trust people... Why risk your time and money, after reviewing these reviews the school is hit or miss with their diploma programs why not just go to something that is guaranteed...

Posted 10/16/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute are Rip Off artists !!

by Dale M.

Rip off artists or a Diploma Mill !! I had to cancel my Early Childhood Ed. Course and not only will they not refund my deposit, they won't even respond to me at all ! There are much better schools anyway, but don't take a chance with these people if you don't want a hassle, value your money and/or think you may have to cancel as far as I am concerned !

Posted 10/13/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Kevin C.

by Kevin C.

Getting my high school diploma with Stratford Career Institute was one of the best things I ever did. The program was easy to follow and I learned a lot. I feel so proud of my acomplishment. My kids are proud of me and I have been able to get a better job. Thank you Stratford for helping me.

Posted 06/05/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

rip off

by rachel d.

i just finished my high school with theme and i was going to go to ever rest college and stradford is what you call a diploma mill every one will pass and there diploma are no good in Illinois so no clloges for me and i must re do what i just did and i want my money back i was told but a lady who work there that the course i took was a prep to get me ready i said you charge 589.90 to prep me and get me ready then what the hell is this fake diploma for? if you really want to change your life don't go to this school and let theme do this to you i' m telling the truth go to a community collage in your home town were you actually get a real diploma not a fake one and pay to much.

Posted 05/27/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Thanks Stratford!

by M D.

I needed to do something to get my life moving. Stratford Career Institute was just what I needed to get a new job. I learned a ton and it was very affordable. It gave me the confidence I needed to move ahead in life.

Posted 03/11/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford is ideal

by D D.

Stratford Career Institute was ideal for me. I needed to take a course in bookkeeping. Stratford had exactly what I needed. I studied at home and their services were great.

Posted 03/02/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute - A great surprise!

by D F.

I enrolled in a course and wasn't quite sure what to expect, but once I got my first set of textbooks I knew I made the right choice! I was greatly surprised at the quality and depth of their materials and the knowledge of the instructors. Way to go Stratford Career Institute - you exceeded my expectations! So...to anyone wondering if a distance ed school is worth it, check out Stratford. You can't beat their prices either!

Posted 02/24/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Quality School at a Great Price

by K J.

I shopped around at other schools, but Stratford Career Institute was clearly the best choice for me. Some of the earlier lessons were easier than I thought, but as the course went on,I definitely learned a ton. I honestly never thought I would learn so much about medical billing!

Posted 01/22/09 | Report Abuse

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

A brilliant conn

by Amanda P.

I signed up in August for their writing program. They told me on the phone that I had 14 days from the time I RECEIVED THE PACKAGE to cancel. I sent the package back after reviewing the material, (which, by the way, was cheaply put together, and so elementary that I could have taught what I was reading) along with my cancellation letter.
The next month, I received a bill. So I called them to make sure they'd gotten my letter. They had the books I sent back, but conveniently didn't acknowledge receiving the letter of cancellation. So I sent them another one. Again, bills kept coming. I sent three letters out, and a final, rather nasty letter, telling them on no uncertain terms that I was canceling.
That was months ago. Today, I got a bill for 171.50, because I canceled AFTER the 14 days!
I'm currently fighting this one, and they have EXCELLENT records of when I called, and why I called, but ironically, they don't have record of my first three cancellation letters.
Even a one-star rating is too good for these people.
STAY AWAY! If you're looking for something in the "learning to write" field, go to Gotham Writer's Workshop. You'll get much better service, and a great education.

Posted 01/21/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute - No hidden fees!

by Kacie B.

I looked around at a couple of schools and I love that Stratford Career Institute does not charge any hidden fees! So many other schools like them charge a ton of fees that even if you cancel, you never get back! I like that Stratford Career Institute is straightforward with you. One tuition fee and that's it. Plus I liked that I can make monthly payments. Just thought everyone should know! I'm glad I chose Stratford career Institute.

Posted 12/01/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford is a great value

by Randall C.

I didn't have a lot of money to spend on school, but I know how important it is to get an education. That is why Stratford Career Institute was a great choice for me. I was able to get my home inspector diploma which has already helped me in my job. I recommend Stratford to everyone.

Posted 11/16/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Great Institute

by christian a.

i read some of what you people say about startford. but if you come to look at it thats your problem for not doing the right research. i have a forensic science diploma from ashworth university which is accredited and another for the same from startford not accredited. i never had any problems with the diploma from startford. alot has to do with who you present that diploma to and what line of work you are appling for. not everyone looks into an Institutes accredited status. now as for the high school diploma from stratford, i can for sure say it's a waste of time and money. don't ever use a high school diploma from startford to try to get into college. you will just make a fool out of yourself. so my advice to some of you is, try not to rush into anything, take your time study the school and its status. and try not to worry about what people say about a school. people are always going to talk trash about a school accredited or not. good luck, and remember life is what you make of it...god bless...

Posted 11/11/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford=good value

by Brian H.

Stratford Career Institute is a great start. I wanted to look into being a medical transcriptionist. I took their course. It was pretty cheap compared to a lot of other schools and the course was even better than I thought it would be.

Posted 10/28/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute was for me

by Justine B.

I just feel like I have to tell people that Stratford Career Institute isn't as bad as some of these reviews say! I work two jobs and barely have time to get to the grocery store, so finding time to attend school was really hard for me. Finding Stratford Career Institute was seriously the best thing for me. I study in the few spare moments I have in the day, but I'm moving along great and can't wait to get my diploma!!!! Stratford has been great for me and I recommend anyone who thinks they are too busy to get an education to try Stratford.

Posted 10/28/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford is Great

by Renee L.

Stratford Career Institute is working out great for me. People always write about their bad experiences, so I decided to tell you about my good one! I enrolled in Stratford's forensic science course online which was really easy. My materials showed up quickly-faster than I thought they would actually. I had a question about my first book so I called them. Their customer service people were so nice. I am pursing my studies right now and I love it. I can't wait to finish.

Posted 10/14/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Total scam

by Curt R.

Stratford Career Institute does not hold any regional or national accreditation that's recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Therefore, graduates wishing to further their education at a school other than Stratford Career Institute should check with that school to determine if their course work is transferable.

Their diploma is worthless!

Posted 10/05/08 | Report Abuse

2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Only sign up if you are absolutely sure you will NEVER cancel

by Kathy B.

I signed up, paid the initial deposit and arranged to have payments taken out of my acct. at $35.50 per month. I rec'd the first package, read through it and after a few months of not doing it due to other circumstances, I decided not to continute with them. I never sent any thing to them, no tests, etc. Meanwhile, they have taken $187.50 from my acct. in monthly payments. I contacted them via postal mail and rec'd an email from them first trying to get me to choose a different program which I did not want to do. Then another email saying they would cancel my program but it would be another $95.00!! That ends up being almost half the cost of tuition. I DID READ the enrollment agreement. It states you can cancel after 14 days and if nothing was sent in (not tests,etc.) it would be a percentage or up to $150.00. I had already paid more than that with monthly payments and my initial down payment, and now they want another $95?? I just emailed them back and asked for an itemized list of charges. We'll see what happens from here. But, from the other reviews, it looks like they make it very hard to cancel for whatever reason, and if you do succeed in cancelling, it costs way more than what they portray it to be. I do believe they are a rip-off. Some people seem to have used them successfully and completed the program,which is fine, as long as you never need to cancel it. Because if you do, plan on paying at least half or more of the total program to get out of it, regardless of what they say on the tuition agreement. I am going to fight the $95.00!! Rediculous!!!

Good luck to whoever deals with them.

Posted 09/26/08 | Report Abuse

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute was a good choice for me

by Lynn R.

Correspondence schools like Stratford Career Institute are great! I am a busy mom and I don't have time to physically go to school. With Stratford I could study after the kids go to bed. It was easy. People write bad things about these schools, but you just have to read everything. My diploma from Stratford has helped me a lot.

Posted 08/18/08 | Report Abuse

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

SCAM

by Eve G.

School is a scam they have a list of Accreditations that don't mean anything to the actual careers you are trying to get into, if you are trying to get a high school diploma for example what is the point if it is not accredited or recognized by anyone. Basically you give them $500 for a piece of paper that no one else will accept your better off getting a GED or hey do what they do make your own Diploma.

Posted 08/07/08 | Report Abuse

2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Paralegal

by eldred M.

took my time no rush
fullfiled expectations for employment in field of law
there specilized course was less expensive than a four year s chool.
and no intrest make it a great deal.
yes I always highly recomend stratford even though I have not paid.

Posted 07/22/08 | Report Abuse

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford got me a promotion

by Gerry R.

I took the Business Management course with Stratford and not long after I showed my diploma to my boss, I got promoted upstairs. No more clock punching! Was it easy? No, but they have teachers you can call and email and that helps a lot. My biggest problem was trying to find time every week to study, instead of watching TV or going out. I'm glad I did though and I would do it again.

I see that there are some people who have said they hate the school. All I can say is that correspondence schools may not be for everyone. Stratford sure took good care of me.

Posted 07/02/08 | Report Abuse

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute is World Class

by Carrie L.

Stratford Career Institute was a great help to me. I was able to study at home and feel that I got a great eduction. Plus, their monthly payment plan was easy. Stratford Career Institute helped me to get ahead and I'm pleased with their support.

Posted 06/17/08 | Report Abuse

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

THE WORST COMPANY I HAVE EVER DEALT WITH

by Anonymous

As a former student of Stratford Career Institute I must advise everyone that this school, both it's advisors and facutly, is full of liars and scammers. The employees of this school have no interest in anything other than signing you up and taking your money.

Posted 06/11/08 | Report Abuse

2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute - Quality Education

by Isla C.

I feel that Stratford Career Institute is a quality choice for distance education. I took a course with them and thought the whole process was great. The books were detailed and I was always able to contact an instructor when I needed to. The best part was being able to study when I had time and keep my current job. Overall, I would definitely recommend Stratford Career Institute.

Posted 05/27/08 | Report Abuse

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute

by Sherri R.

I took a course with Stratford Career Institute and thought everything about it was good. I like the learning materials and the fact that I could study at my own pace. Plus it was affordable since I could make monthly payments. I would definitely recommend Stratford Career Institute.

Posted 05/19/08 | Report Abuse

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford can help!

by R B.

Stratford Career institute and its superb creative writing program have helped me broaden my perspective on the English language. Thanks Stratford Career Institute!

Posted 05/18/08 | Report Abuse

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute

by Ryan G.

The education I received from Stratford Career Institute has increased my self esteem. The impact youve had on my life and my familys life has been a great one.

Posted 05/05/08 | Report Abuse

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute is a good choice

by G P.

I am impressed with Stratford Career Institute. They were always very helpful and I feel I got exactly what I wanted with my education. And being able to study at home is great!

Posted 04/30/08 | Report Abuse

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute is a good school

by Violet R.

I love Stratford Career Institute! I got a good education at an affordable price. I didn't have time to attend classes and Stratford Career Institute let me study at home.

Posted 04/28/08 | Report Abuse

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute - top choice!

by S J.

Stratford Career Institute is a top choice for distance education in my opinion. I took their medical billing course and it has really helped me move ahead. Plus, they are affordable!

Posted 04/28/08 | Report Abuse

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Great Course - Great Education

by Matt S.

Stratford Career Institute helped me to get the education I needed to get ahead in my job. My employer was impressed that I took the time to learn more. Stratford's course was excellent and easy to follow. Plus their online tools were helpful and so were the instructors. Thanks Stratford Career Institute!

Posted 04/03/08 | Report Abuse

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute is the best!

by John S.

Stratford Career Institute is the best place to start when you want to achieve your goals. I now feel better equipped to do medical billing more accurately and efficiently. I better understand the terms and processes because of the education I recieved with SCI.

Posted 03/31/08 | Report Abuse

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Would Recommend

by M J.

Getting a stratford diploma gave me confidence to start a new career and now I have a job that I love. Their courses were easy to follow too. I would definitely recommend stratford.

Posted 03/06/08 | Report Abuse

7 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford is great!

by J S.

Stratford's courses are so convenient and easy to follow! I am really happy with the education I received from Stratford. I took their accounting course and it provided me with knowldege and skills that helped me to get ahead in my job. I loved that I was able to study at my own pace and when I had time. Plus the instructors and staff were always very helpful.

Posted 02/29/08 | Report Abuse

7 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Great experience with Stratford!

by Sonya S.

I took a course with Stratford and am very pleased with my success! Stratford's program materials were professional and easy to follow, and I personally got a lot of help from the staff if I needed it. My instructors were available when I needed them. I am proud that I have a career diploma from Stratford and would recommend them to others.

There are always going to be people who have a problem with a school. But for every one person who has an issue there are thousands who have really good experiences. Don't let a few people you don't even know make up your mind.

Posted 02/06/08 | Report Abuse

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

A good choice for career education!

by Dani M.

My experience with Stratford Career Institute was great.

I completed their medical office assistant course and I'm considering enrolling again for the medical transcriptionist course. From the enrollment process to the course itself, everything was clearly spelled out in their materials. When I did have questions, I was able to call and the counselors walked me through.

I personally know several people who have had very positive experiences and I would definitely recommend them to others.

Posted 11/14/07 | Report Abuse

6 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Sci just plain sucks big time.

by Mark S.

I signed up with Scitraining to check it out. Anyhow, I decieded not to start school cause I never recieved my first books.. And i've been waiting for over 9 months for my books... So I stated I wanted my books canceled, you know those idiots said ok we'll call you back with the adress on where to send your cancelation letter.. I wait, and I wait I never get a letter. So I call em back, and say whats happening I don't want to start your courses because you guys never sent my books.. Guess what the idiots did? they sent my file to collections????? How you going to send a file to collections when the person never even started the courses?... I hate Sci and I (WILL NOT) reccomend their courses for anyone to try out. (((THEY'RE SCAN ARTIST)))) and I will fight my case till the end, cause I ain't paying for something I never started because of their lies.

Posted 11/14/07 | Report Abuse

0 out of 9 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Satisfied

by Riley V.

Customer service was very helpful when my circumstances changed. I had to cancel my registration and the customer service rep walked me through the steps. Of course, she tried to suggest ways I could continue in the course which is something I expected. Any BUSINESS would be foolish if they didn't at least try to keep you in the program. She wasn't pushy though and once we determined it wasn't going to work she took excellent care of me. As soon as I get in a better situation I would absolutely register with Stratford again.

Posted 09/04/07 | Report Abuse

9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Happy and promoted!

by Anonymous

I was very happy with my Stratford experience. As a full-time working mother of two, the individual pace was ideal for a my chaotic schedule. Any time I had a question for the instructor it was promptly and thoroughly answered. Plus, the small down payment and monthly installments were very reasonable.

The skills and tips I learned from their administrative assistant program allowed me snag a promotion as an executive assistant to the vice president of the company with a nice salary bump. I would definitely recommend them to anyone interested in increasing their current skill set or checking out a new career.

Finally, I agree with Michael D. you can't blame the company if you didn't read the agreement. I read everything very closely, as anyone should in this day and age, and found everything spelled out quite clearly.

Posted 08/21/07 | Report Abuse

9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford is the Real Deal

by Michael D.

Stratford Career Institute provided exactly what I needed with both their Curriculum & Customer Service. All of the information you need is on their website www.scitraining.com and I found their Enrollment Advisors to be courteous and cooperative. I think perhaps the folks below did not read the Enrollment Agreement before signing it. A true mistake for any well seasoned consumer. I'm also quite certain that if it was a rip-off or a "conn" (spelling - isn't it con?) SCI would be asking for more than a $10 down payment. Consider that $10 as a lesson learned from not reading the Enrollment Agreement in it's entirety. I don't know why there are some bad reviews of SCI on this site.

Posted 08/17/07 | Report Abuse

7 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

They are a conn school

by anonymous a.

I called to get information and enrolled today. After reading reviews, I decided not to wait until I get their books and cancel today. They are quick to accept you but turn ugly when you cancel. Some jerk by the name of Neil answered the phone. He was mad because I cancelled and did not want to give the rep name I signed up with before. He asks me what's up with me asking for names...duh you have my credit card info and I am cancelling. Don't waste your time and money. KEEP LOOKING!!!!!

Posted 08/16/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Career Institute a Good Value for your Education Dollar

by Bill M.

I took a Creative Writing course from Stratford Career Institute last year and I thoroughly enjoyed my learning experience. The course materials were of the highest quality and I especially liked the personal comments that my instructor provided on my writing assignments. I found their customer service people to be very helpful with a couple of billing and shipping questions that I asked, so frankly I was very surprised by the review below. Overall I believe that Stratford is an affordable way to explore a new career field, and I would recommend their courses to anyone.

Posted 08/13/07 | Report Abuse

7 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

This school is a major scam

by Anonymous

I signed up for their Funeral Services Education programme. I am in Canada, and I asked them specifically, "If I complete this course, am I able to use this diploma to become a licensed embalmer and funeral director in Canada?" and they said, "Yes."

They also mislead me about the course contents, and "forgot" to mention when I signed up that over HALF of my syllabus was something I was not actually graded on, but instead was simply mailed to me with my mail-order diploma.

There were no textbooks, simply illustrated brochures which read more like a small business course as opposed to working in a funeral home. Also, the material was mostly American with a few Canadian side notes.

I demanded a full refund, and they basically said I have two options: I can complete the course, pay them a thousand dollars, and get my diploma. Or, I can cancel, send all my brochures back, and STILL pay them a thousand dollars.

I contacted the Better Business Bureau and in they told the BBB that I had refused to pay them and was behind in my monthly tuition schedule. That was a bald-faced LIE.

In the end, I had paid about 250 dollars in monthly fees. They let me out of my contract for another hundred bucks. I got to keep their stupid brochures (the ones they call textbooks over the phone).

Bollox.

Posted 07/25/07 | Report Abuse

3 out of 9 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

Stratford Is a Rip Off

by Anonymous

I am currently trying to get my money back from them They dont answer any messeges and they are really poor. I have also taken courses with PCDI, Blackstone career, and Penn Foster and they are all way above Stratford all you get is photocopies of a book and extreamly poor service save your money dont use them!!!

Posted 06/29/07 | Report Abuse

3 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Ratings_icons

You're Better Off Tossing Your Money In the Trash

by Grea A.

On April 11, 2007 I signed up for one of their courses. Information came to light however re: the validity of their Teachers Aide Program and the fact that most schools will accept you and train you without prior certification within the next day or so.

I sent a letter requesting cancellation of my contract and return of my deposit on April 13, 2007 stating the following:

April 13, 2007

Stratford Career Institute
1010 Vermont Ave NW, Ste 805
Washington, DC 20005

Sent Via Certified Mail
Article #: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

To whom it may concern:

Please cancel my contract for the Teachers Aide program and refund my deposit of $XX paid via XXXXXX check # XXXX dated April 11, 2007. I am well within the 14-day cancellation period.

Sincerely,

I received the following notification from the post office.

Status: Delivered

Your item was delivered at 1:33 PM on April 17, 2007 in WASHINGTON, DC 20005.

I received a letter dated April 30th from Jason Hammond, Student Advisor, re: my options instead of cancellation. I do not think the above letter left any uncertainty re: my intent to cancel.

I sent an email to the advisor (as to have documented proof) which included the tracking information of the initial certified letter stating the following:

I wish only to cancel the course. I do not wish to transfer or place the program on hold. Your course materials were refused and returned to sender directly from the post office at which they were received on the day they were received.

Please cancel the contract and refund my deposit as requested.

On May 9th, I received a bill re: my failure to cancel w/in 14 days and a balance I owe them of $179! I have of course filed complaints with the DC Attorney General and DC BBB against them in addition to emailing them all of my documentation that disputes their claims. The email address that they gave me however is no longer valid!

I mailed a copy of the email to them instead.

I found out too late that they have a reputation for defrauding those who wish to cancel. Luckily I sent my cancellation request via certified mail. As evidenced by post office records and the attached letter, it was sent, as per the policy they included with their scam, to the correct address and still received well within your 14 days. The cancellation address, by the way, is only included on the backside of the initial agreement the one the applicant has to mail off to them - and no where else either on their website or by any other easily obtainable means obviously more of their scam. That they chose to ignore my request for cancellation is their own fault. Their pathetic attempts to try to keep my business and stall out the 14 days, have been duly noted.

As for their lessons, the date the 1st and only one arrived at the post office, I refused it and wrote refused, return to sender immediately handing it back to the clerk. Again, another scam about them that I have read about.

It is apparent that their business is so poorly run that they feel the need to defraud people in order to stay afloat. Rest assured that I will do everything in my power to make it even more difficult for them.

Also please find attached a list of links detailing the same type of scam being perpetrated by them. I only wonder how many times they've successfully pulled this scam on people too ashamed or too uninformed to know the proper recourse.

http://www.ripoffreport.com/results.asp?q1=ALL&q4=&q6=&q3=&q2=&q7=&searchtype=0&submit2=Search%21&q5=stratford+career+institute

http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3712152181

http://www.theblogpound.com/index.php/weblog/comments/stratford_career_institute_veterinary_assistant_program_rant/

http://cbs5.com/consumer/local_story_047212733.html

http://scamclub.com/reports/Stratford-Carer-Institute-3681.html

Judging from the volume of these entries, this seems to be their standard MO, even CBS news reported on it!

Posted 05/18/07 | Report Abuse

2 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Ratings_icons Ratings_icons
Map and Directions to Stratford Career Institute

Get Map & Directions

See the best nearby...

Restaurants | Coffeehouses | Delis | Bars