Argosy University Closure THECB Statement

Argosy University Closure

One of the most important statutory responsibilities of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is to safeguard Texas students. The THECB is working with Argosy University and its parent corporation, Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH), to determine educational options for the displaced, degree-seeking Argosy University students in Texas as a result of the university’s closure.

The THECB maintains a resources page for students who experience a school closure. These pages are posted at http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/ under Topics of Interest and are updated as new information is available. Information specific to Argosy University will be posted this week.

Background Information
As of March 11, 2019, Argosy University’s website (https://www.argosy.edu/closed-school-information) lists Argosy University Dallas as permanently closed. The location was scheduled to complete a teach-out in August 2019. Prior to the closure, the THECB had been in communication with DCEH since Dec. 28, 2018, regarding change of ownership of several of its institutions. DCEH sold several of its locations to Education Principle Foundation in early January 2019. Those locations included in the sale were the South University Austin location and the Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin locations for The Art Institutes.

The THECB has specific rules regarding closures: Rule 7.7(5). Institutions are required to notify the THECB at least 90 days prior to closure or provide written notification immediately if an institution closes unexpectedly. Argosy University had been in a scheduled teach-out; therefore, it had been expected to complete programs for all remaining students. The THECB has been in contact with DECH and requested information regarding:

• A listing of students, programs of study, and expected graduation dates;
• Student email contact information;
• Status of tuition, refunds due, current student account balances;
• Comparable programs;
• Current or pending articulation, transfer or teach-out agreements;
• Information on a permanent custodian of student records; and
• Financial resources available to ensure students can compete their degree programs.

Argosy University Dallas and Online degree student enrollment reported by DCEH, as of March 11, 2019:

Argosy University Dallas: 14 active students
Argosy University Online (based in Arizona): 483 active students identified as Texas residents

• Argosy Closure THECB statement 3 11 19.pdf