Jobless Graduate Sues College for Refund

BRONX, N.Y. (CN) - A New York woman who can't find a job four months after graduation wants Monroe College to refund her $70,000 tuition. Trina Thompson sued the college in Bronx Supreme Court, claiming it misled her into believing that earning a bachelor's degree would get her a job.

The 27-year-old graduated in April with a degree in information technology and said the college's staff has "not tried hard enough to help me."

According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, only 20 percent of U.S. college students in the class of 2009 had jobs upon graduation, down from 51 percent in 2007.

Monroe College, in the Bronx, offers career services to students, including after they graduate.

"No college, especially in this economy, can guarantee employment," said college spokesperson Gary Axelbank. "Monroe College remains committed to working with all its students ... to prepare them for careers and to support them during their job search."

Axelbank said Thompson's case is completely without merit.

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