Reply from California Institute of Applied TechnologyMar 13, 2026
Hello,
We take claims like this very seriously. However, statements suggesting CIAT is a “scam” or engages in unethical practices are simply not accurate.
As published in our catalog in accordance with accreditation requirements, diplomas and graduation certificates are issued only after students meet all graduation requirements, including minimum GPA, attendance standards, and financial obligations. If a student has not met these requirements, a diploma will not be issued until those requirements are fulfilled. Students always have access to their official transcripts showing their graduate status to support employment or continuing education goals.
Regarding career outcomes, we stand firmly behind the success of our graduates. The companies listed on our website represent organizations where our alumni have been hired, and this information is reviewed and updated regularly. We are extremely proud of the many students who have successfully launched or advanced their careers after completing our programs.
Transparency is also something we prioritize strongly. We publicly share key student outcome data, including student satisfaction ratings for each 5-week term, completion rates, certification exam pass rates, and placement outcomes. Anyone can review this information on our Trust & Transparency page here:
https://www.ciat.edu/trust
Additionally, our name change from California Institute of Arts & Technology to California Institute of Applied Technology reflects our continued effort to stay aligned with industry trends and emphasize our applied, career-focused approach to technical education.
If you believe there is an outstanding issue related to your academic record or graduation status, we encourage you to contact our Student Services team directly so we can review your specific case.
— The CIAT Team