Can you imagine spending years and an untold amount of money on your college education only to end up being told you never graduated with a degree? Take this a step further, and imagine you've been practicing in your profession for over a decade, and you've even been licensed by your state's professional licensing board. Then, one day you apply for a new job, and when your potential employer runs your credentials, the school you graduated from says they have no record of it. Not only do you lose out on a new job, but your state licensing board flags you and suspends your license.

This nightmare might sound too outlandish to be real, but it happened to a nurse in Colorado. As reported by The Gazette, Community College of Denver alleges a woman didn't graduate from their program despite the fact that she's been working as a registered nurse for the fifteen years since she attended the college.

What are the Former Student's Options?

Wisely, the woman brought a lawsuit against the Community College of Denver. Although the initial lawsuit was dismissed, she and her attorney appealed the dismissal. The Court of Appeals reversed the dismissal, so the plaintiff is now able to pursue civil action against the college on grounds of breach of contract.

When you decide to attend a college or university, you're entering into an agreement with that school that basically says you'll pay them money in exchange for an education. If you both hold up your end of the bargain, then the end result should be a degree. Absent the former student's failure to perform her obligations, the college broke its promise in failing to deliver the degree.

How the case ultimately plays it is yet to be seen. Notably, the former student initiated the action in 2018, and she still has a long road ahead of her. Still, it's important she fight the school's determination because her entire financial future is at risk. It's a battle worth fighting tooth and nail.

Contact a Student Attorney-Advisor Today

If you don't think your school is holding up its end of the bargain, you should speak with an attorney-advisor today. The process can be lengthy, but the stakes are high and worth fighting for. The sooner you begin looking into the matter, the better.

Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento has significant experience helping current students navigate nursing student dismissals and helping former students hold their schools accountable. If you're not sure where to turn, reach out to the dedicated Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm today. Attorney-Advisor Lento understands how overwhelming it can feel for parents or former students to face these giant institutions. You don't have to do it alone. To learn more, call 888-535-3686 today, or contact us online.