HARRISBURG, PA – Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced a significant agreement with the Pittsburgh Career Institute (PCI), which recently closed, to absolve dozens of students of $218,000 in outstanding educational debt. This decision comes as a relief to the affected students who were left in financial uncertainty following the institute’s abrupt closure in November.
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, under Henry’s leadership, has been proactive in addressing student loan issues. Since January 1, 2020, the office has facilitated the cancellation of over $205 million in private and federal student loan debts.
Pittsburgh Career Institute, known for its healthcare-related and veterinarian assistant programs, shut down following the Department of Education’s decision to cease recognition of its institutional accreditor, the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The Department of Education had given schools 18 months to find a new accreditor, but PCI opted to close its doors, affecting less than 200 enrolled students at the time.
The agreement reached ensures that the $218,000 in student debt will not be collected or transferred. It also mandates compliance with the Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act and the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices Act, which regulate debt collection activities.
Attorney General Henry emphasized the importance of supporting students who invest time, money, and effort in their higher education, only to face challenges due to institutional closures or other issues. This agreement is a part of her office’s continued commitment to assist students and ensure fairness in higher education finance.