UMass Global Reviews

"Brandman University provided me with the tools and knowledge that I need for my future endeavors in the social services field. The classes were available online and allowed me to complete my work within my schedule. Specifically, the instructors were knowledgeable and helpful when I had any difficulties and provided separate hours for any assistance I needed outside of the online classroom. My only complaint about the University is that my advisor relocated during my completion of my degree and was never replaced. Because of this, though I finished my degree, I was not informed that I did not have the required amount of credits to be eligible for Latin honors. I was very disappointed that I was 1 class short of their requirement and when I followed through with the appeal process to be able to take the 1 extra class, I was informed that the issue was not petitionary. I maintain a 3.93 GPA and was very disappointed that my Summa Cum Laude distinction was left off of my degree."

"I began attending Brandman University in January of 2017, to receive my single subject teacher's credential for social studies in secondary education. After debating between continuing my education with San Francisco State University and starting a new journey with Brandman University, I made the tough choice to start anew with a different campus experience. A main reason I chose Brandman University, was because of their superb academic advising since the beginning of my prospective experience as a future student, to the open enrollment period following my admission, I couldn't turn down or deny their quality customer service and student support services. Today, I am in the middle of my program and am looking forward to finishing strong with a superb education and bright career as a high school history teacher, thanks to Brandman University!"

"I cant say enough good things about Brandman University and the staff the atmosphere of learning was great, there was always someone there to help and point me in the right direction. I dont expect to gain much from the other students on the subjects we was studying but their real world knowledge on the subjects exceeded my expectations and justified my choice for choosing Brandman."

"It is really made for the working students because class times are at night, if a student cannot do class meetings then they are able to register all online. If there is an assignment where you need to take time out of your day you are notified in time. I feel the academic and financial aid counselors are genuinely involved and do their best making sure no mishaps happen. I had a positive experience and there was a campus in my hometown which made it easier for me."

"The marriage and family program at Brandman University has been a great experience so far. I decided to return to school and after talking to other students I went in for information. The staff at the school are very nice and helped me get everything I needed to start school. Since I've started they have been there for me every step of the way. Many of the instructors are therapists, so they help us to understand the real life of a therapist. I am very glad I chose Brandman University to get my masters degree."

"I feel the best quality Brandman University has to offer is the support from the Academic Advisors. The first time I met my advisor, I felt she was truly invested in my academic success. Even though I have just started the program, I am excited to grow as an individual, in the field of education, along side my professors and advisors."

"Brandman University helped me complete a life long goal of going to college and earning a degree. The faculty and counselors at the Travis AFB location were awesome and a joy to work with. They helped me every step of the way, enrolling for classes, applying for tuition assistance and federal pell grant, culminating with them congratulating me on stage at my graduation."

"Overall I had a really good experience, I feel bad for those that haven't. But, my instructors were caring and understanding that life gets in the way occasionally. If I ever had any issues with my course work I was able to contact in instructor and have it fixed in a few hours, they would allow me an extra day or only reduce a few points off of my grade. The financial office can use a little work, but being in the military and using FASFA I was able to get approved in less than 2 weeks, granted FASFA didnt pay for my classes until I was nearly finished. I think this is kind of normal, because when I contacted One Stop they told me not to worry because I had my approval amount and letter. They told me that it would be taken care of, I am out of the San Diego office, the only issues I had while attending this college was when I had credits that were not applied and having to write the dean. Overall I would recommend Brandman as a good business school."

"Very engaging an enlightening program. Had a chance to concentrate on studying one class/subject area at a time. Fund the Finance course the most challenging. Made some good contacts and, I think, lifelong friends along the way. I do wish the alumni group was more active, too."

"Earning my MAOL at Brandman set me on the course toward running my own Leadership Consultancy firm. During the program I was working in a corporation and was able to bring much of what I learned to the work place. When I started my program, I had a team of 10 people I was responsible for and only a few years later I was VP of Organizational Development and was responsible for the talent management of over 900 people. In 2008 I decided to launch my own firm, providing leadership development services to corporations. Almost 2 decades later I am in touch with classmates and professors. I highly recommend Brandman."

"Everyone can see that most negative reviews of this university involve the financial aid and one stop departments. My experience with these departments at Brandman was also extremely negative. My financial aid was almost always over a month late and nearly every time I was supposed to get financial aid I'd have to email the chancellors office threatening to report the University for financial aid fraud. When I did this my funds were magically disbursed the next day. I was charged random fees and they apply financial aid to future tuition. This school's financial departments are unethical, and the one stop department, who acts as a go between for students and Brandmans financial department, can never provide answers. I've had to fight fraudulent charges on my bill. I've had to fight my financial aid being applied to the next two terms I am registered for. The school has a flexible schedule, but all the trouble you will have with billing, and getting resolution to any scheduling problem overshadow the good schedule. I also wasn't impressed with many of the teachers. There are a few good ones, but many bad ones. One instructor fell asleep in every class. Grades are often not give until weeks after papers are turned in. I do not recommend this school to anyone. It's a very unethical school, and I will not be surprised when they are finally caught for financial aid fraud. Recently I listed some of the specific problems I had with this school on their Facebook page. The following day they removed all the reviews and students are no longer able to leave reviews on their Facebook page. Brandman University is running an unethical financial department, and it won't be long before all these problems get them into trouble. It's not a University you want to take a chance with. Find one of the several other Universities that offer the same flexible schedule."

"I am surprised at all the negative reviews because I found my experience with Brandman to be great. I was able to fit it into my schedule nicely (working full time with a 5 year old at home) and finished my degree in 18 months. My questions and concerns were always addressed immediately by my advisor or professors (with the exception of 1 professor who was not very helpful). I found the coursework and what was expected of me in order to earn a good grade easy to understand. The financial aid office and system was also easy to understand. I am considering going back for my Masters."

"Overall, I had an alright experience with Brandman. That being said, their financial aid office aka OneStop is in serious need of some help. Last year, they disbursed funds back to me after only paying part of my classes and I didn't realize it until I put that money back onto my loans. Later in the year, I asked when the next disbursement was scheduled. I was told it already happened. Guess what didn't happen for another week? I also noticed that my tuition increased roughly $300. I asked if/why it increased. They told me that it didn't, just an extra $15 for the technology fee. How does that explain the other $275? Most of my interactions with them have been problematic in a number of ways. I don't regret going there because of the convenience but if I want to get my BA, I'll go elsewhere."

"First and foremost I must say this has been the worse college experience that I've ever had. The financial aid department did horrible service, the advisors don't do their best to be accurate with their information and in the long run you end up paying for everything. They will always put you at fault for the mistakes that they've made. I think all the people who have complaints about Brandman should get together and escalate our concerns to a higher level."

"This place is terrible. DO NOT DO IT. It is shocking to me that reputable for profit colleges have had to close in California, but places like this get to continue because they are under the label of "non profit". This place is a racket. It is extremely expensive and you get very little in terms of service for how much you have to pay. The financial aid department is terrible, as are the academic advisors. They do not respond to inquiries in a timely manner, do not have relevant information and when they do finally get to you, you've missed valuable information and deadlines. This school seems the only real option for some programs but do yourself a favor and do more research. There are other schools out there that don't cost an arm and a leg and you will get similar level of service. BTW, the teachers are actually ok. It is the administration that is horrible."

"I am currently in the Capstone course to finish my Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership. I am active duty military stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. I am not sure why I jumped into the program when I did, but it has been a great experience. I have had zero issues with the staff and faculty in my location. I understand that many organizations with multiple locations can create a bad experience that spreads like wildfire; however, that is not the case with every location. The staff and faculty at JBLM have taught me a lot, and I actually enjoyed going to class. I figured I would dread it, but would knock it out anyways. It was quite the opposite; fun, engaging, challenging, and educational. It seems to me that a lot of the poor reviews that I have seen on this website are people who expect it to all be laid out for them. I used to be that way when I was an undergraduate and thought, "Poor me, somebody did X, which ruined my chance to Y, etc." Then I realized that nobody owes you anything. If you want it, go get it. If you don't know how, figure it out. This program has taught me that if I want something, I will get it. I encourage people to implore more deeply about the program that they may be interested in, you might be pleasantly surprised. Lastly, if you want to be treated like an adult and have a respected opinion, please act like one. Take responsibility, do what needs to be done, and quit complaining and expecting someone else to fix it. These ragtag reviews are what is wrong with our society right now anyway. Good day."

"To admit you at the school is not just art but magical, they would do anything to provide you an admission. But as soon as you got admitted then it takes 2 to 5 days just to get a response for any concern or issue. Financial services are disastrous at this school, they find a reason to charge you left and write, for application, tests, materials, registration, dropping... basically anything you do wouldn't work without money. They find a reason to threat you and send your account to collections and put hold on your account which will not allow you to register and then penalize you for late registration. Remember, do not go to this school even if you get a free scholarship or if your employer is sponsoring your education. There is no name and recognition for this school, even local employers asks you if this is an out of state school. Their statistics and English classes are not even accepted at MPC (Community College). Don't make the mistake of appealing any decision, it's literally a cartel or monopolistic system, any appeal is going to be denied no matter what. They find an excuse to send your account to collections and just prevent you from getting your transcript, graduate or even use your transcript. The advisors are kind but their hands are tied they have to play the politics of organization. The biggest mistake I ever made in my life is going to this school. But I am glad I left it before I go to deep, on second year. Do yourself a favor, get a monthly subscription at Washington Post or NY Times you will learn more but don't go to this school. If you have any option in life do not trust the sweet orientation and talks of hot girls that are just setting up the trap!"

"Time is a precious commodity. I would like to suggest that you look elsewhere to invest your time and money in furthering your education. While I've learned a great deal in the short time that I have attended, their Financial Aid department is a complete disaster! It's a shame given that the Instructors are very good and attentive. For those who rely on financial aid to cover expenses this is not the place. You can start classes but don't expect the financial aid department to release any funding to you until week 4 if not later. I Had to wait approximately 2 months for mine! How can a student expect to complete their assignments if they can't cover living expenses? As a veteran they have managed to short me education funding that the VA allows to cover expenses. My experience thus far has been nothing but frustration with their financial aid department. They won't even let you contact them directly. I'm in the process of contacting the Department of Education and filing a complaint. Suggest you do the same if you've been mistreated."

"I recently started my MA this year (2016). I have known two others that have went to this University in the past and had great experiences AND have used their graduate degrees so I decided to meet with the advisor at my campus (in WA) and she was so supportive and informative. She created a potential ed plan, gave me upfront costs and we talked about how classes are. I felt confident about it. I've completed two terms and I've truly enjoyed it meeting other students and the diversity of the instructors. If you are looking for a "perfect" college experience, good luck. I'm still looking for a "perfect" partner and that's probably why I'm single. We aren't perfect people. If you are looking for supportive, affordable graduate program with small classes, well Brandman is a great option. Grad school isn't cheap, let that digest, accept it and just make the jump. Invest in yourself!"

"Although I had a few "bumps" with financial aid and occasional issues with the advisor (people are human after all), I had a good experience. The majority of my courses were hard work and I learned a great deal from them. Some professors were phenomenal, others just "good." However, the same can be said of every university on the planet. I've read quite a few negative comments, but it seems like in many cases, some folks need to be spoon fed. As a few others have stated in their comments,be your own advocate. Ask questions and seek out answers if you don't know, etc. In school, just like in life, it is important to be resourceful. Don't sit back and wait for someone to tell you something. I never had an issue if I went in search of the answer -- Brandman staff were more than willing to help. I went to this school for the convenience of taking online courses and did not want to attend the diploma mills (National University or Univ of Phoenix). I believe I received a good education and am happy overall with my Brandman MBA experience."