I'm debt for a IT program that got discontinued. Worst education I think I ever received, now I'm in massive debt for a degree I'm not using. Got an IT job somewhere and learned more in less than a year by my self than the two years plus I spent here. I'm not even in IT anymore. I know a handful of people that are in the same boat as me from this school. Just go to the jc it's a massive difference this school doesn't make much sense. Thanks Empire read more

I don't even know what to say except stay away from this "college". It is a complete waste of money, and IS NOT all it is hyped up to be. All they care about is the money, and not the students. I needed my diploma and other certifications they had of mine for a job, and they almost didn't give it to me because my large chunk of money I owed the school wasn't paid off. Ridiculous. I could have my RN by now had I stayed away from this place. I'm now 20k in debt for a program that A) I can't even transfer my credits out and B) is honestly about equal to high school classes. The only classes that were helpful in my program were my medical terminology, CPR and clinical classes. Most of the teachers, except for a select few, are awful and teach you by literally reading out of a textbook. The financial aid staff are very rude, and they don't really help you find a job as promised. Most of the classes you take are not very necessary (depending on your program) and are more of a "take these so the college gets more money" classes. Also, I barely even used the books that cost me a large chunk of $$ as well. I learned 10x more in the first month I started working as an MA from the doctor I worked for, than I did in 2 years at empire. I regret going here, and often think about suing them to pay back my student loans.... I now work as an LVN and graduated from empire in 2017 with my MA AA. Save your money, and go through the JC or Sonoma state where you actually will learn something, and have a better path/connections to your future. read more

I think three stars is appropriate. When I went here which was years ago, I had great teachers, great curriculum and great learning process. It was very expensive which is why I knocked a star off. The other star got knocked off because - I was very well versed in Word, Excel & PowerPoint. Very well versed. I tried to test-out of these required classes. If you know Word, Excel etc, you know that there are many ways to do one task. They wanted you to only know 'their' way. If I attempted to answer a question on the test, as my way of doing something, I'd get it wrong. So I was never able to test-out of these classes because my level of proficiency wasn't 'their' level of proficiency. It was very frustrating as I was trying to save money by not taking classes that I didn't need. Um, yeah - that didn't work. I ended up having to take 4 classes I didn't technically need. Money for the classes, books etc... it ended up being a lot. I did get my Billing/Coding degree, and I do work in the medical industry doing what I went to school for. I don't know that it was worth the money, especially knowing that there was/is other ways for me to get my degree now - including on-line. read more

I've taken 4 IT certification tests at Empire College up in Santa Rosa. It's a bit of a drive from Novato, but it's the closest testing center around here. The location is really close to the freeway, and finding the building was really easy. Once inside, just ask the receptionist where the testing center is and you're on your way. Signing in for your exams is a breeze, and it doesn't seem like they are super strict on your exam start times. The testing computers are a little bit old, but they get the job done, and after you pass your test, the Empire College staff is already preparing your paperwork. Painless experience read more

This is the second update to my original review. In August of 2015 I made an update to my original post saying the counseling staff was trying to help find solutions for the issues in my original post, which was not true. I was contacted by the counseling staff and asked to remove my original review and upon my refusal I was told they would not release my diploma unless I posted a follow up comment saying they were working on finding solutions. NO SOLUTIONS WERE EVER IMPLEMENTED. The school never reimbursed me for classes I was told I did not have to take due to some of my existing SRJC credits, the school still continued to use UNCERTIFIED instructors who had never taken the certification exam for the material they were teaching in the medical coding program and 3 months after I graduated in 2015 everything I had learned was completely useless and obsolete since the national coding standards changed from using ICD-9 to ICD-10. I spent 2 years and $20,000 dollars (of student loans I am still paying off) learning ICD-9 which was no longer used 3 months after graduation. Empire knowingly let us pay for a program that was never intended to allow us to pass the national certification exam and never offered any classes on the actual material needed (ICD-10) for the medical coding field. ABSOLUTE FRAUD! THANK GOD THIS SCHOOL IS CLOSED SO IT CAN'T STEAL FROM VULNERABLE PEOPLE TRYING TO BETTER THEIR PROFESSIONAL LIVES ANYMORE. read more

I went through the paralegal department, I had teachers that were current students in the law school which seemed odd to me, I was expecting qualified teachers not students. It's a for profit school and the only people winning is Dan & Laura raking in the big bucks and living large with their fancy cars and nice homes. You spend thousands of dollars on an associated degree that you can't take anywhere. The credits are non transferable & not honored outside of California. The hypocrisy is that they have an accounting program, yet their accounting department can't keep your account straight. When I was attending I paid my balance in full that I owed Empire. After graduating I got a refund check, which I called to confirm accuracy and we went over figures that validated a refund. Fast forward two years later I started to get demand/past due letters for the amount of the check. By this time there was different student employees working that couldn't comprehend a basic conversation. It was a long, drawn out ordeal that caused extreme stress for me. The staff turn overs while I was there was high, there was a constant swinging door of employees quitting and new personnel filling in. I think that's a red flag sign that the administration may not be good if they can't keep employees happy. I feel like a damn fool for falling for their scheme! They never fulfilled their promise of job placement for me or fellow students. These type of schools are predators, wolves in sheep's clothing. Go to a reputable school that the credits are valid nationwide and can be transferred. This is about you and the investment you are making for YOU so make sure your money investment benefits YOU in the end and not to buy Dan a new BMW! FYI, their graduation ceremony is a joke too! Dan is a pretentious man, thinking he is an amazing presenter, however its a circus show even after the hundreds of ceremonies they have done. He speaks and speaks and speaks you want to fall asleep and to top it, they are disorganized, chaotic causing a beautiful moment to be boring and stressful. read more

I am a previous student and graduated with my Paralegal Associates degree. I could not say enough about this college. Empire is well known and respected throughout Sonoma County. This made it extremely obtainable for me to get the career of my dreams. Like any school, Empire has its ups and downs. There are staff that truly care and make your education enjoyable. There are staff that seem a little turned off but I would chop that up to personality differences. When all is said and done, Empire has been an incredible asset to our community. Helping those that desire a future without hesitation. I have numerous friends that have graduated from Empire and we all love our education and our paths. read more

After finishing their Medical Assistant program, I found out that my colleagues had been trained on the job. Bummer, this is not Empire's fault. The point is, this school is too expensive for what they offer. Plus, none of the course credits transferred to SRJC. When I signed up to take this course, they also promised that I could always come back and take refresher courses for free or at a reduced cost. I met with their counselors (Really, they are mostly sales people) and I insisted on just taking their free refresher courses that had been promised. I was told to call Shannon the instructor who is in charge of the Medical dept. I emailed her several times and called several times. I never heard back from her. It's been months, and still I have not heard back. I've asked the receptionist who else I can speak to and whomever they redirect me to tells me that I have to speak to Shannon, who does not seem to get my messages. Bottom line, there are cheaper and more efficient ways to get the (job) you are looking for. read more

I am a recent business graduate from Empire College, the teachers and staff really care about their students. You get what you put in, if you are willing to study and be in class you will succeed. They have a free torturing center that is open Monday- Friday you don't have to sign up, you can go to just do homework or to have someone help you with what ever class you need help in. The class sizes are small, which gives you a lot of one on one time with the teacher. They help you with career placement once you graduate. I loved going to Empire and i wouldn't have changed a thing! read more

This is an amazing school ran by amazing staff!! I am thankful to everyone in this building who helped me get through school. It was such an amazing and rewarding experience. I was going to school for their medical program. All of their staff in the medical department are just wonderful people who want to see you succeed. Everyone is so warm and friendly and celebrate with you when good things come. I was able to do my medical externship and get hired on right after. It was such a blessing to be able to put what I learn into practice and show case to my externship why I was a good asset and what I had learned. Now I'm not just starting a job but a career. Thank you Empire for all you have done for me. read more

It hasn't changed. Don't fall for the sales pitch. For profit education is a scam. Don't buy into the hype. It's not going to get you a job. They lie. read more

I graduated in 2004, with an Associate's in I.T. Security. I really enjoyed my experience there. The teaching staff is great, and toward the end of my program the other students in my class dropped out so I was the only student in my advanced security classes. which was really cool because I got 100% of the instructor's attention. He supplied me with everything I needed to succeed and while I passed all of my classes I was very lazy in getting my I.T. Certifications. I don't blame them for that, I was 18 and wanted to party with my friends instead. At the time of my graduation (6/2004) there were a lot of job leads in the other depts but the I.T. jobs were scarce and very low paying and the few of my peers that took them were getting like $7-8/hr jobs. I was disappointed in that, because I was working and promoted at my retail job and ended up making $21/hr in a grocery store with great benefits and bonuses. The worst feeling is being stuck in a job you hate but making good money. (at least for me anyway) Anyways 11 years later here I am finally ready to change my career and use my degree for something. Currently I am studying on my own for my I.T. certs again since my education is way outdated. Last week I drove down to Empire to update my records and I decide to stop by my old instructor's room, who is now the head of I.T. dept. I ended up catching him in the hallway on his way out, he remembered me and we talked for a bit, I explained my situation and he was supportive and let me know I could use the school labs/resources to study for my exams any time that classes were not in session. This was the high point of my week. I also found out that I can return to their career placement to help me with my resume and possible job leads when I'm ready (even after 10+ years! lol). This kind of service makes me think Empire wants to do anything they can to help their students/alumni to succeed. It's just up to the student to follow through and make it happen. read more

I am almost done with my associates degree here at Empire College. My learning experience has been amazing. At first it was a little overwhelming but the helpful staff and faculty made the transition smooth. Through experience, I have found that Empire College promotes a "hands on" learning environment. Lecture classes as well as software classes. They also offer certification preparation classes where you prepare to become certified in specific areas of your program. Eg. Business Admin students prep to be certified in Microsoft Office products like word and excel. Accounting students can become certified bookkeepers and payroll specialists through the National Bookkeeper Association. Faculty members are well-informed in their area of expertise. The class sizes are smaller than those of traditional colleges but this is to our advantage. This means more one-on-one learning time with instructors, all of whom are willing to help, even if that means staying back after class or on Fridays (there are no scheduled classes on Friday). Administrative staff are also very helpful. Empire College also has a lifetime career placement program for all students and alumni. These are some of the reasons why I've enjoyed my time here at Empire. They have provided me all the tools i need to succeed and I'd like to think that I've tried to make the most of it. Graduation will be bittersweet. read more

I went to the law school and graduated in 2001. I passed the bar the first time. 2001 was a terrible time to find a job because it was right after 911. I got a job at the Tulare County Public Defender's office within a few months. I have been here for almost 13 years. I love what I do!!! I make over $110,000 per year with incredible benefits. I have only Empire to thank. The teachers were a first class act--ALL of THEM! I have done over 100 jury trials, and won many of them. Empire made me a warrior in the courtroom. I go against lawyers from big named schools who are no better than me. They just paid 5 times the amount I did for the same education. Empire Law School rocks!!! The best investment I ever made. read more

The reviews on here do not reflect the majority of the people's experience at the school. It seems to me that those who did not finish or make it worth their while are the one's who made the comments on this page. I graduated from Empire in 2012 with my AA in Paralegal Studies. During my time at Empire I learned more than I could bargain for and found support among the professors there in the department. They guided me and ensured that we understood what we were doing and only a few that I had started with made it all the way through the program. It is not an easy one, fast-paced, and some realize later that it is not what they want to do. My advice, is to always finish what you started. Even if it may not seem what you are wanting to do--finishing is what matters and so if the time that you put into trying to succeed. I am not a practicing paralegal but learned a lot of valuable skills that have been an asset in my professional life. I gained professional references and learned how to network. I will always be thankful for my experience at Empire. It is what you make it and how much you are willing to put in and take with you. At the end of the day you are responsible for using the tools that they give you to attain what you wish to have. Nothing is given--use the tools and the knowledge and you will succeed. They can't interview for you, write your resume for you, but certainly ask for help and pointers. Don't expect to be handed a ticket to a job--that is not how it works. _____________________________________________ Sometimes, you realize that you will also need to change those around you in your personal life to start reflecting a better professional image and having better influencers in your social circle; that matters. You have to take the advice they give you and want to change intellectually and professionally--otherwise, it can be a useless experience. ABSORB everything they teach you to a T. read more

Before Empire I had graduated with a BS from a four year college. I decided to go back to school to obtain some other skills after graduating because the job market was so bad. Empire College was not the solution. As an experienced college student, Empire College is NOT like a four year college. The classes are sub-par, very easy to pass and not challenging. It is also incredibly expensive. After finishing with Empire I managed to find myself MY OWN job without their help. Now they're trying to make it look like they got me that job, and not only that they contacted my employer without my permission. Overall I am incredibly unhappy with the experience and wish I have never gone there. Simply more student loans I must pay back. read more

So I attended empire for medical assisting thought this place would be good to get a degree but boy was I totally wrong. It's completely a rip off they just want your money and it's a waste of time. After I finished my degree they send me a check saying I was due for a refund so I was like awesome I get some money back but no couple months later empire sends me a letter saying that the refund was a mistake and that I have to pay them back like what?? Who does this?! So now I'm paying my loans and empire. If Id known that this place was shady I wouldn't have wasted my time and money here read more

Empire only seems to care about one thing: YOUR MONEY! From meeting with a rep I can tell you that these guys are like used car salesmen who want to see cash in hand before you even step foot into the lot! sure the 91% rate of hired is high, but odds are it's just going to be an unpaid internship...hello high priced slavery! Perhaps if I had heard more about the school itself rather than get grilled about my pocket book I might of actually learned something positive about the school....what a joke read more

I think this school has potential to allow smart people with hard circumstances to earn their JD. With that said, Empire is notorious within the professional community for substandards and employers will not regard an education from here very highly. Therefore, it is incumbent upon any graduate to really expect to have to sell themselves even more during job interviews. It would probably be better for most people to attend the local Junior College. It is highly acclaimed and much less expensive. Additionally, there are many more financial aid options available. I would recommend the Empire Law School to intelligent students with obstacles in family or work. They offer night classes. However, be aware that Empire attorneys have a stigma attached that must be overcome in the professional field. I have never met so many incompetent attorneys hailing from any one place as this particular law school. Edit: I am a law graduate from an ABA accredited out-of-state law school. I have taken some prep classes at this school for the California BAR. I also have worked directly with students and graduates of both sides of the Empire community - the Law School and the other schools of instruction. read more

Please save your time and money before attending here! The counselors are sales people to get you into the next enrollment, which is about every 6 weeks. I attended Empire College because I got sold on it and the high pressure from the counselors. Over $20,000 later, and all my certifications, I still don't have a job in the field of study. I have tried speaking with the "career placement" person, and that has gotten me nowhere. When you look on the job board, it's all bi-lingual a must in Spanish. So if you are Spanish speaking, and have some grant from the government, this is a great option because you can go here for free nearly with that kind of financial help. But if you are only English speaking and need student loans to pay for this sub-par education, good luck in finding a job in your field of study. Save your money and time and go to the SRJC instead of this terrible place. read more

I loved attending Empire College. They gave me a FWS job right away when I started, which helped me more than I can say. I tried another local college before attending Empire, and I my schedule was wiped clean, I only got in one class when I HAD a full time schedule, so I barely got enough Pell to buy my books. The guaranteed full-time status at Empire, and the personal contact with financial aid, and the bookstore (along with being able to return your books AFTER you've used them) was perfect for me. I loved the experience, and I now have a great job from it. read more

I am a student at Empire College, in which I am almost done with my Medical Program. From the beginning where I took the Placement Test, to speaking with the administration about payment options to Ed, the night Dean and to all the lovely night teachers, I must say that I have been very blessed. I personally have had the best experiences at Empire- I love that the class sizes are small and personal, and I really feel that I am getting the attention I need to succeed! The few concerns that I have had with class scheduling and some help I needed with fixing a class, it was taken care of with great passion and care, and I felt that the attention I received was above and beyond what I expected. I find that staff at Empire make it an enjoyable experience who really want their student's to succeed...of course you as a student must go in with a good attitude, try hard, and persevere...those who try hard, the staff will see that! There are also fun activities to motivate the students! I must say that I have grown so much since my orientation at Empire, now I am finding that I want to stay and keep learning, I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! (I enjoy it and believe in it so much, that I even want to work here!) I will forever be grateful to you all at Empire! read more

I graduated from Empire College. I think they've prepared me to do all or most requirements that employers are looking for in the accounting field. They reward you for outstanding achievements with different certificates and acknowledgements I have a job and I do bookkeeping for multiple companies. I feel that Empire prepared me for success in this field. My employers like empire students as well and feel they have prepared us with the knowledge we need. Everyone of my coworkers have been hired through empire. I loved empire and I love my job. read more

Horrible. Horrible. Horrible. I attended this college for about one year, then I had to withdraw because it was time to take care of my family for a little bit. After about 1 1/2 to 2 years I try to return because I wanted to complete my program. Even after I realize how much they're charging me! So I had a meeting with their financial aid lady, some old lady who knew nothing. She asked me for my tax return which I didn't have because I didn't work. She then asked meIf my husband have a tax return, which he didn't because he is an illegal immigrant. She told me I needed to have a tax return or else she can do anything for me. She basically told me that I cannot enroll in school again unless I can provide that documentation, which is totally untrue because I've gone to two different schools Since then. They literally just have to put zeros that's all she had to do. She turned me away for no reason. When I went back to the academic counselor she just replied to me and said oh wow I'm so sorry there's nothing we could do for you. Absolute total bullshit. Then About a year later I hear on the radio station that they were raffling off a free education and I was so upset. I'm pretty sure I could sue them for them sending me away like that, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who could sue them for being idiots. I hate them. Don't ever go there. read more

What kind of fair review system do you have when you only allow "good" reviews to be posted...You "filtered" my honest opinion of my two years at Empire. read more

This is not a school. It is a business. And, it is their business to swindle you out of every nickel they can. The priority here is NOT education! PLEASE, I don't want another person to be swindled by this so-called "college". If you want a education in the Santa Rosa area attend the JC. Empire is for profit, NOT for people! read more

I started empire college with high hopes. So I started the I.T. Program. My first class was with Dave and I have to say he is the best instructor there every other class had teachers who didn't seem to know what they were doing. Nevertheless I finished and I attempted to get my vouchers for the certifications and I got the run around. I never received them and I started looking for a job most I.T jobs were only offering 15-17 dollars an hour most were offering much less. Time went by and I didn't find any jobs and now I'm left paying a 9000 dollar loan. These college are just ripping people off you can go to community college and get the same level of education for free. Empire will eventually get shut down like heald college but don't let them get you too. I urge everyone don't go there please just run as far away as you can from that place. I recently got a job for a cable company and they provide all the training you need for free. And they start off at 18 dollars an hour. Believe in yourself and don't fall for false promises from mediocre schools. I don't know how these people sleep at night. read more

This school sees students with learning disabilities as a burden, and they make excuses as to why they kick you out of the clinical program. If you have fine motor skill issues, the Medical Assisting program is not for you, this school does not know how to treat you fairly or make the appropriate accommodations to help you succeed in the hands-on clinical courses. read more

It's a complete waste of money if you do the hospitality certificate ( I can't comment on the other departments). I went here years ago (2004?) and I left with absolutely no skills. Nobody will take this certificate seriously. I was able to get jobs like front desk, server, bartender etc. but you don't need to spend $10,000 (that was my price tag back then, wonder what it is now?) to become a server/front desk/supervisor/bartender. I see that they have an associates degree now. If you are interested in the hospitality industry go to a community college for an associates degree or certificate. I am finishing my degree at a community college in AZ in hospitality management. The classes at Empire were like preschool compared to community college. Your classes at a community college can transfer to a university, if you choose to further your education. Empire College's classes don't transfer to anywhere! Trust me, I have been working in the hospitality industry since Empire College but I have found my basic positions on my own. I love the industry and I have been able to travel all over the USA doing hospitality jobs. If you want to have an advanced position in this industry you need to have at least a degree from a community college or university. Empire College will get you nowhere! They have those success stories on the brochure to make the program look pretty. Those few people were lucky, maybe they had a connection in the biz, or have lots of years in an other industry and that helped their resume/skill set? Don't be fooled by those happy stories. I remember after graduating I popped in a few times to look at the job board. The few positions offered were $8/hr. front desk or housekeeping. You don't need to spend money on education to get those positions! Empire College popped into my head recently and that's why I decided to post my review even though I graduated a long time ago. I wish reviews were around when I was going there. I could have saved so much money and 9 months of my life. I really, really regret giving these people my time and money. Please, research ANY school you go to and talk to others who have gone there or are going there. A lot of these faculty members are like used car salesman, they have quotas to meet. read more

Empire College is I have to say the worst "College" to attend. I went to attend the Paralegal program, I'm 60% of the way through, and had some medical issues, and needed to take a leave of absence. I'll mention now that I am taking this program in the evening, Empire said to all the evening students "How they respect the students that work a full time job, come to school, participate, and they hold those students with the highest regard. I went to take a leave of absence, to deal with aforementioned medical issues, the first LOA was fine no issues, now comes the problems. I had to have surgery and would be out for another six weeks. Came back and everything was fine. Then I was informed by my doctor that I needed to take another leave of absence to deal with the medical issues that were not resolved. Now comes the earth shattering news that I cannot take anymore leave and that I would have to withdraw. Some how something about this last LOA got lost in translation, that I requested a LOA and the Student Success Counselor for the evening program was forcing me out of school. I've spent well over $13,000 to get thus far. The Student Success Counselor told me all I needed was a doctors note to take a medical leave of absence, so I provided it, then the SSC told me its fine and you can take the leave, a few days later I was told I was short by 15 days on my leave of absence and she was forcing me out. I fought this tooth and nail. Moral of the story SRJC offers this program for pennies to the dollar compared to Empire. I am SHOCKED that I cannot take the units I've earned ANYWHERE, they claim that this schools is Nationally Accredited was bulls**t. Only places that will take the units is more poorly reviewed and questionably accredited online colleges. Save your money, go someplace else. This college is run by people like the rest of the reviews say Used Car sales people that do not disclose any more than they are required to. More over the college has sub-par teaching staff, I found out during my stay at Empire, that they are only BA/BS graduated teachers with absolutely no State Accreditation to teach. This school has BAD NEWS Written all over it, steer clear of this place, you'll end up owing them money if you graduate, leave, have medical emergencies. If you want a real degree that is useful, go to SSU, SRJC, etc. Save your money and keep it close to you, because all Empire wants is your money and they will screw you first to get to it. They have absolutely no regard or sensitivity toward those who are Disabled. read more

What I want to know, is, why are only the negative reviews of this wonderful college the ones that Yelp recommends? Why not the positive ones? I really enjoy going to school here. Shannon Tinsley is a great teacher, and if you've contacted her, and she hasn't gotten back to you, it's probably because she didn't get the message. So, instead of insulting her, why don't you try to reach her again? She's almost always in her classroom, and she always makes time for her students. All of the teachers that I've had here at Empire College, have been great. The only things that I'd complain about, is that there's no salad bar, (which isn't really their fault.), and the fact that I lost my MA externship because I forgot a stupid tidy towel. I got "A's" on all of my tests, turned in all of my homework on time, and only missed 1 1/2 days of class, and still failed the class because of the stupid tidy towel. And, because the clinical classes are three in one, I ended up failing not one, but three classes. It's great that I can retake the class for no additional costs, and that I won't have to redo the homework that I've already done, but I don't think that that should mean that I don't get my externship through the school. Again, I love this school, and would recommend Empire College to anyone. My children even want to attend this college when the time comes. Thank you, Empire College, for an excellent education, and for making my dream come true. read more

Don't bother it's a waste of money and time. Students are stuck up as hell and teachers only care about marketing and making money. This college will promise you the moon to get your money and will spit you out and stomp on you . read more

Empire offers you the tools to set a fire your career. YOU have to put in the effort and give it 100% to get something out of it. My skills and externship with Kaiser gave me the upper hand on my competition and landed me the job of my dreams. If you're looking for a hand out or expecting to be a shoe in don't bother. If you want to invest your money in yourself and put in some hard work then strap one on and sign up. You control you're future, do something to make it a brighter one. read more

I graduated from Empire College's medical assistant program in 2003. I ended up having to take a step out of the medical field to care for my children. Now that my children are grown I am looking for the opportunity to go back into the medical assisting field. Empire is not accredited with the most popular medical assistant certification program AAMA. I would be able to certify right now if they were. Instead I now have to find a doctor willing to allow me the opportunity to work for them for 2 years and right letters of recommendation to be able to take the test through the NCCT. Don't go to this school if you think something in your life might stop you from working for awhile. When I contacted Empire College's program director she didn't even know what the AAMA is and trust me she should. read more

I agree with another commenter and wonder why only the negative reviews are being recommended. I graduated in June with my law degree. I took the bar exam and passed it on the first try, which is amazing in California. Another commenter stated that the Empire Grads are not highly regarded and find a hard time getting jobs. That is incorrect. Empire Law Grads make up a significant portion of the legal field here in Sonoma County as well as the surrounding counties. I found this school more beneficial than some other full-time schools in many respects. First, the cost is lower than getting a law degree elsewhere. Further, the lower cost does not reduce the amount of learning and knowledge you need to know. Our professors are wonderful. I was taught by actual law practitioners who fully understand the field they are teaching and can emphasize the material with real-life examples. The staff at the school is wonderful. They were always helpful, no matter the situation. From me having panic attacks about grades and attendance, to being a friendly ear to chat with in the hallway. I gave Empire College 5 stars and they earned five stars. read more

I am an Empire college student in the IT Program. Last April, 2010 I failed my XP class (worse mistake ever when you are a Empire college alumni), now I know that this class is required to take the next classes in the program, No one told me that in the first place so I thought that if I did not passed I could take it later on my program, no problem ONE OF MY TEACHER SAID... WRONG! this has been nightmare since then. A day before my new mode started it, I received a call from Mae Rose, she told me that was a problem with my schedule and I basically had two options, one of them was to go on A Leave Of Absent For 9 Weeks (Which Is Crazy) and the second option was to switch to the day program for a period of six week to finish XP and after that is done, I could go back to the night program (Great I thought!). In order to stay in school and don't miss 9 weeks, I decided to switch to the day program, I communicated this to Mae Rose; she said, no problem! On Thursday 5/13/2010 she informed me that I need it to go to Financial Aid to sign some papers. I went and talk to James from Financial aid, he said the papers were not ready and to call on Friday. I left and then I received I call from Mae Rose next day, she told me to talk to Mary from financial Aid, Mary did not have any idea what was happening she was going to charge me for the XP class which Mae Rose told me was free, and then Mary was so confused that she went to talk to someone in the administrative services, she told us (Mary and me) that I cannot go back to the night program After the six weeks mode is over, she said that I could either finish in the day program and graduate in September(if you have a regular schedule, like many of the working adults in the school, this is not a good option) or I could go on a leave of absent UNTIL SEPTEMBER, THAT IS ALMOST 4 MOTHS! (This will delay my graduation date by 3 to 4 moths) they told me that was I huge missed understood, and they cannot do anything else... Really!! So if you are planning to go to EMPIRE COLLEGE KEEP IN MIND THE CLASSES THAT ARE IMPORTANT IN YOUR PROGRAM AND TRY TO NOT FAILED THEM. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also if there is a computer virus infestation going on in the school, keep in mind that your class( if you are an IT student) will be interrupt constantly by student coming into the class room because their flash drives are infected or something. Also they tend to used their teachers to Fix any of those problems, is unfair when you are paying almost TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS a year to get some education, plus some of the teachers in the school do not even have a bachelor degree. most classes in the IT program are lecture. DO NOT EXPECT TO GET HANDS ON TO OFTEN. read more

I recently graduated from Empire College in the Paralegal Program. I enjoyed most every minute of my time there. There, of course, were times and maybe a teacher or two that I didn't like too much, but other than that the teachers truly care about you so long you show that you really want to be there. The department head for the legal program, Monica Lehre, is incredibly intelligent and will always sit with you one on one to help you if you need it. On top of being the legal department head for the Business School she is also getting her Masters and J.D. at the law school there! Incredible! Another teacher, Carl, is absolutely AMAZING!!! He was my teacher for only 2-3 classes and he truly cares for his students. I was upset one day because my grandfather had just passed. I said nothing to anyone and he pulled me aside one day before class to ask if I was ok because he noticed was being very quiet. Now that I work in the Law School for the Dean and the Assistant Dean, he regularly checks on me and sees how I am doing. That to me means the world. He's the sweetest most piratey looking man I've ever met but has a heart of gold. The career placement department has helped me so much as well. Jennifer Sedna has been sending my resume out like crazy and talking directly to employers for me. Her and Tammy Samms help so many of the graduates and students coming up on graduation that are looking for work and they are rocking it! All in all, I really enjoyed my time at Empire. Not everyone will agree with me and that's fine, all I know is that I got a great education without going bankrupt and now I have the knowledge and skills to be in the work world. read more

Less than 1-star. In my opinion, this for-profit establishment is barely above a diploma mill. Yelpers stay away. Because I was interested in obtaining a law license, I recently stopped by to check into the academic requirements for completing their law program. I met face-to-face with a staff member who informed me that the "honors" GPA requirement for Empire is a score of 76!!! You read that correctly: 76, not ninety-six.One yelper, who allegedly attended classes here, likewise recently provided a poor review of this place, wisely suggesting that accredited colleges like Santa Rosa JC are the best path to a legitimate degree or career-enhancing professional certificate. Empire is not accredited by any legitimate certification program (like WASC) designed to properly assess schools for higher education. Empire gets so freaked-out by poor Yelp ratings issued by its former students that it has assigned a staff member to counter-comment on two different recent negative reviews. Not a good thing. read more

Kass M. (Empire College Loan Repayment Manager) was a huge help in assisting me with paying off my student loans. She was always available for any questions, and responded typically within 24 hours to any phone calls or emails. She turned a really terrible situation into an easily manageable one, and for that I am very grateful. Student loans are a scary subject, but she made it seem not so scary. I definitely could not have gotten on the right track again without her help and persistence. Thank you Kass! read more

I did the specialized medical assistant degree with a certification in phlebotomy. I think it's interesting the people on here that talk about about empire. Your education is what you make it. You are the one is supposed to pu n the effort to really learn or understand the material presented. I went in to this program knowing nothing about the medical field. I left as an A student bc I cared about my education enough to push myself. Whoever says they weren't prepared enough for the exam, it's their own fault! They tell u n the class over and over what to do. All you have to do is LISTEN! I passed bc I studied and took it upon myself to make sure I was ready. This isn't potty training where your mommy holds your hand. I got a job a a hospital and no empire did not help me get it. I got it myself, I'm no going to sit back an expect career services to just get me a job. Especially if you weren't a great student! I wish career services did help you a little mor, bu like I said, it's up to us adults to get our future! And prices are to high to attend. That's about it. read more